Fashion Art Toronto 2019

FAT 2019

April 24-28, 2019 was the 14^th edition of Fashion Art Toronto, a five-day multi-sensory showcase featuring installations, exhibits and performances from a multitude of Toronto based talent. Hosted at Daniels Spectrum, a venue that has been a symbol of community and culture in the Regent Park area since 2012, designers and guests alike looked forward to exploring this year’s theme of movement. 

Movement

Through design, photography, film, installation art and performance we learned what movement embodied. FAT and its peers brought fashion off the runway and to life. The brilliance of this showcase was how these diverse offerings came together as a unified experience.  Artist and designer, Yaw Tony said it the best in the description of his stunning piece Life Liveth In Me: 

“All colours complement with each other, you just have to know what you are doing.”

The installations were exciting, innovative and fresh. The photo opts were fun whether it was the living art models posing in your picture or playing in the piece “A Gust, Adjust” a take on traditional glamour photography. The still art was also breathtaking with beautiful photographs, tv screens with powerful imagery, the use of reclaimed materials in a sculpture collection you name it there was a little bit of everything!

The fashion designers put on a wonderful show and each night there was something exciting to look forward too. However, front row seating was a necessity to see some of the runway show performances. For instance, the show by Maison Chardon had captivating imagery and outstanding garments that were missed for those not seated in front. The collections were so vast and diverse, showing everything from contemporary to genderless streetwear. It was fitting that the models representing these collections were equally diverse as they all ranged in ages, sizes, mobility and ethnicities. There were so many stimulating pieces, some included fashion films, live music and dance performances taking the runway to a new level of experience. 

Morgan Sheardown’s Raining Cows jackets enriched the space with vibrant colours and soothing graphics on his striking bomber jackets. Love Closely presented a beautiful urban collection that explored diversity and self-love. Ali Haider’s avant-guard and fashion-forward designs were visually stimulating and elegant. Gemine Design’s gorgeous collection HipNautic was 80’s fabulous with fresh and vibrant colours. The entire collection was crafted from 100% recycled materials as an homage to the negative impacts the fashion industry has on our water systems. Najla Rahimi’s collection of evening wear and wedding dresses were immaculate and the craftsmanship was exquisite.  Lastly, Quad showed us that you can combine your passions no matter how diverse. Micheline W & Evan Biddell did just this with their funky black and white upcycled vintage leather collection. 

FAT is Community, it is Home

FAT is something unique and vital to our city, a community where anything goes, and everyone is welcome!  There are few places were expression and experimentation are not only accepted but encouraged.  FAT events are all about having fun, networking, dressing up and being immersed in the immense talent and creativity showcased by the designers and performing artists who call Toronto home. 

Coming Up…

We are excited to share our exclusives of Stevie Crowne, Padina Bondar, and Michele Taras FAT 2019 collections.

Written by: Bronwyn Vrabel