FORTITUDE
Clare Wilker 2026
In studying how fear has pushed life to evolve, each garment in engineered to mimic a di erent organism’s survival strategy. Drawing from military and extreme weather gear, these elements form three layering systems that move, breathe, and shelter the wearer across uncertain environments.
Meant to challenge the boundary between clothing and defense, Fortitude re-imagines protection as resiliency, reminding us that fear is inseparable from life; it is our ability to adapt that allows us to live fully.
JACKET, OILSKIN, FIELD
POPPY POD SHELL
Ventilated Waterproof Shell
FORT-26-W001
STRATEGY: Mimic the poppy pod’s seed channels through vented wind channels feeding airflow to main points of moisture while using a waxed canvas to emulate the waxy surfactant of the pods exterior.
CONDITIONS: Wet, Cold, Wind
MATERIAL: Heavy Waxed Canvas
LINING: Cotton, Hand Painted, Naturally Dyed
TRIM: Antique Brass Snaps
COLOR: Oxblood
DETAILS:
oversized hood for helmet adjustable collar raingaurd shoulder panels extended hem and cu
JACKET, INSULATION, FIELD
OSTEO PUFFER
Articulated Insulation Jacket
FORT-26-W002
STRATEGY: Thermoregulating pu er modeled from the functions of osteoderms (bone like structures) in reptile skin: providing heat transfer, waterproofing, and o ering protection without sacrificing flexibility through suspended construction.
CONDITIONS: Wet, Cold, Wind
MATERIAL: Drywax Poplin
INSULATION: Wool Batting
TRIM: Tortoise Shell Buttons
COLOR: Mangrove
DETAILS:
Separating underarm
Hinging elbow construction
Extended cu s
Thumb loop
Mock collar
MID-LAYER, PULLOVER, FIELD
CEPHALOPOD SMOCK
Morphing Pullover
FORT-26-FS001
STRATEGY: Mimic the skin morphing abilities of the cephalopod through pattern developed from the chromotophore protein structures and an adjustable neck designed to imitate the papillae muscle systems.
CONDITIONS: Temperate, Variable
MATERIAL: Hemp Fleece
TRIM: Antique brass pig nose cordlocks, Hemp cording, Herringbone webbing
COLOR: Chromotophore
DETAILS:
Extended high collar neck
Papillae cinch through neck and placket Herringbone finished cu s and hem
Dyed with avocado skins, and hand painted with black walnut, red wine, and yellow onion
STRATEGY: Model a twisting plug and socket closure system from the angle-specific detaching technique of a lizard’s tail.
CONDITIONS: Temperate, Variable
MATERIAL: Cotton Twill
TRIM: Custom 3D printed lizard closures, Carved wooden button, Vintage Talon zipper
COLOR: Harvested Walnut
DETAILS:
Detachable pant legs
Large drop-in pockets
Back waist sweat absorbing panel
6” inseam
Black walnut dyed
SILVER ANT PONCHO
Heat Dissipating Sun Poncho
FORT-26-FS002
STRATEGY: Translate the reflective coat of the Saharan Silver ant through the likewise triangular structure of mulberry silk. Inspired by the ants segmented and bulbous body to create a silhouette that promotes airflow.
CONDITIONS: Hot, Dry, Sun
MATERIAL: Silk Hemp Slub Woven
TRIM: Shell carved buttons
COLOR: Infrared White
DETAILS:
Sun shielding hood
Separating underarm
Airflow promoting volume
Adjustable cu s
UPF, PONCHO, FIELD
UPF, SHORT, CARGO, FIELD
QUAHOG CARGO
Shingle Ventilated Cargo Short
FORT-26-S003
STRATEGY: Engineered sca old ventilation system mirroring the protein-calcium bonds of mollusk shells.
CONDITIONS: Hot, Dry or Humid, Sun
MATERIAL: Heavy Hemp Natural Linen
LINING: Jacquard Linen
TRIM: Antique Brass Snaps
COLOR: Calcite
DETAILS:
Ventilated side panels
Large drop in pockets
Red cabbage dyed lining
Sun coverage
