Event: Toronto Gets [FAT]!

Heya! Last week I had the opportunity to attend the opening night of Fashion Art Toronto ([FAT]) Arts & Fashion Week, formerly Alternative Fashion Week. An event that has been going on for 9 years and has become the biggest multi-arts festival of it's kind in Canada. It is a great way for emerging and unknown designers and artists to showcase their creativity in over 50 runway shows, a variety of live performances, fashion films, and photography and art installations.

This years theme was "INFASHION/UNFASHION" - an exploration of two opposing themes working together or in contrast. Each night had a sub-theme: Earth vs. Industry, Grit vs. Glamour, Cult vs. Culture, Masculine vs. Feminine, and Minimal vs. Extreme. Designers and artists presented the night's theme with fabulous fashion, eye popping designs, and amazing art. The night I attended, the theme was Earth vs. Industry, appropriate since it was Earth Day.

LR Productions Dance Performance, FAT 2014

HASTI collection, FAT 2014

Jepri Studio collection, FAT 2014

Held at the Daniels Spectrum Building on Dundas Street East, [FAT] was a sight to behold. Although some of the fashions on the runway are not everyday wear, I thoroughly enjoyed the artistry behind each design. One of the things I liked most about [FAT], was the way different art forms were fused together for one night. Fashion films and contemporary dance routines were performed between runway shows. During breaks, DJ Discrete was pumping out cool beats while guests browsed the interesting art installations and beautiful photography exhibits. My favourite installation was New Pastures by Arianne Pollet-Brannen. The award-winning artist rescued old and deconstructed footwear to create wearable clothes. I didn't evenly realize the clothes were made out of shoes at first, until a friend pointed out them out. 

New Pastures (detail) by Arianne Pollet-Brannen

My only complaint of the night, was that the night's schedule was not followed. Everything started late. Really late. I know shows usually don't start on time, but almost an hour late is a little extreme, especially when it's a Tuesday night. Thank goodness the signature cocktail of the night, The UnFashion, tasted amazing and helped pass the time. For more information please visit fashionarttoronto.ca.

Melanie.Ps and Scotty Boom Botty, FAT 2014

 And P.s!: Next year will be Fashion Art Toronto [FAT]'s tenth anniversary! Should be an even more amazing event than this years'!

P.s,

Melanie!