Gilbert Fortin of Attirail Design Office shares how various interests and combined experiences led to a comprehensive collection of activity-related products and gear.

How would you describe your profession and your practice?

Attirail Design Office incorporates balance and functionality into everyday objects and gear, focusing on producing designs that are durable and enjoyable. The studio’s approach is based on instinct and exploration, seeking the junction between sensibility and rationalism. Our team’s various interests and combined experience in many fields enable us to work on products ranging from houseware to sports equipment, fashion accessories, and technical clothing.

Attirail is a French term that refers to a comprehensive collection of activity-related products and gear. This definition reflects the studio’s interest in working on various types of projects and scales.

Has your work changed over the course of your career?

Our work has evolved significantly over the course of our career. With growing experience and our endless curiosity, the process has become easier and our practice more diverse. Each project builds on the last, pushing us to explore new ideas and expand our creative horizons.

What was your “eureka!” moment that made you realize that art/design was the route you wanted to take?

Our “eureka!” moment came after university when we started talking about our work and realized how perfectly aligned our visions of design were. We’ve always been fascinated by the objects around us—fashion, music, skateboarding, skating culture, and so much more. For us, design is about shaping your surroundings to reflect your idea of a better, more interesting world to live in. That moment of clarity made us see that we could share our understanding of the world not just with each other, but with everyone else, through our work.

Is your work inspired by anything in particular? What turns you on creatively?

Our work is deeply inspired by both nature and the urban landscapes we navigate every day. Our shared interests for music, photography, subculture, and for skating also come together to shape our vision.

Which designers or artists inspire you and why?

Many designers inspire us for different reasons. One of the notable ones would be Jasper Morrison, who stands out for his discernment and his ability to strip away the superfluous, creating designs that are both thoughtful and essential. Another designer we admire is Stefan Diez, whose refreshing, innovative ideas always manage to elegantly combine simplicity, beauty, and sustainability.

What is the name of the DesignTO Project you’re exhibiting in and what is the name of the piece you are sharing?

We’re presenting ‘Network’ at the prototype exhibition, ‘Surface Impressions.’ Network is a light, wall-mounted shelving unit inspired by reflections on material economy and the interdependence of parts that come together to form a whole greater than the sum of its components. We aimed to highlight the elegance and thinness of a new recycled leather developed by Umbra, using it in an unexpected way that requires only a minimal amount to add warmth and character to the design.

What can attendees expect to experience when hearing you?

Attendees can expect to experience a thoughtful material exploration that balances simplicity and functionality in a dialogue between lightness and sturdiness. Through Network, they’ll see how raw materials like recycled leather and stainless steel can be used together in unexpected and elegant ways.

How long have you been involved with DesignTO? Do you have any memories from past DesignTO Festivals you want to share?

I (Gilbert) participated in the 2022 prototype exhibition ‘Purpose & Play’, and it was a great experience. It was inspiring to come together with other Canadian designers, share our visions, and exchange experiences.

As DesignTO gets ready to celebrate its 15th birthday, why do you think it’s important to the creative community, here as well as abroad?

We believe events like DesignTO are crucial for the creative community, both locally and globally. It provides a platform for designers to connect, share ideas, and showcase the incredible projects they’re working on.

Lastly, what random fact about yourself would you like to share with the DesignTO community?

Attirail Design Office is located both in North America and Europe, with studios in Montreal and Copenhagen.