Poster in his fashion

By Valerie Gibson, Fashion Editor

” It’s strange, but fashion illustrating in itself is just not popular with the media in Toronto” So says Frederick Watson, fashion illustrator, an artist who has just launched a series of fashion-inspired posters fast becoming a hot collector’s item in the city.

The posters – dramatic, elegant studies in black and white – have more than a touch of the famous Erte about them and Watson confesses to being a great fan. But his posters have a character all of their own, some pure fashion illustration, some with an Art Deco feel, others with an oriental touch. With poster art becoming increasingly popular, the Watson designs are refreshingly different.

It’s not the first time that Watson has attempted the world of fashion illustration. Twenty years ago he tried to survive at the profession, he says, but there weren’t enough papers and magazines in the city to support many illustrators. He points out, too, that although illustration is used extensively in European fashion it has never been a popular item here.

“Perhaps” he adds, “it has to do with the fact that photography has always been more acceptable to the Toronto media and that it has developed into such an art form now.”

Since his last try at his self-taught profession, Watson has held varying jobs such as window display, illustrating canned goods and working in a hospital. But his dream persisted until he recently ventured to approach the store Mr. Smith on Bloor St.

When they indicated interest he began illustrating once again.