Now that 2011 has arrived all I can think about is Fashion Week and one of my most favourite events of the year FAT's Alternative Fashion Week. Actually, to be perfectly honest, I've been thinking about it eversince it ended last year. I attended last year and with one quick look around, I knew I wasn't in traditional fashion week anymore. I also knew I was home!
With avant-garde runway shows, videos, performances and thought-provocking installation art shown through The Dressing Room Project, FAT (Fashion. Art. Toronto.) provided fashion lovers with an ode to love with nights of longing, lust, rage and joy.
Day 1: Longing...
The evening got kick started with a chilling performance of 3 Solos 1 Duet as choreographed by Mark Frerichs featuring an opera performance throughout. Favourite shows of the night included Jasper Garvida whose colour-blocked, dark-toned shifts and muted knits had heads turning, Square Root of Two presented minimal looks which hailed straight from the Netherlands, while Sheridan College Textile Studio sent nymph-like creatures down the runway that were pretty in pastels.
Day 2: Lust...
Highly anticipated show Refined by Evan Biddell didn't disappoint as he sent down models in studs, leather and pop-art prints. Biddell's roster of models included Toronto it girls Leesa Butler and Kealan Sullivan as well as fashion powerhouse Gail McInnes who also walked in the first show of the night for Starkers Corsetry. Dianna DiNoble of Starker's Corsetry had people lusting after her 18th century inspired creations complete with all things feathered, patent leather and sheer.
Day 3: Rage...
People were far from enraged upon seeing designing darling Heidi Ackerman's collection of looks for construct(this). She presented models clad in architecturally-inspired outfits made of both hard and soft materials that were met with roaring cheers from the audience during the final walk. Romandin by Christina Sabaiduc peaked everyone's interest as the show featured a video of the manipulation of Sabaiduc's magnetic dress as what was once a light, beautiful maxi became a frothy cocktail dress.
Day 4: Joy...
I spent this evening happily volunteering and to be honest I couldn't tell you if the view is better onstage or backstage. With constant flashbulbs going off, impeccably styled models and fashion personalities, it was like a house party full of the people I usually blog about. Amidst the joy were the whimsical prints on the sharply cut designs by Felicia Burke and the live photoshoot turned art installation named 'Joy Is My Muse.' Taessa Chorny sent out glamourous evening wear while Baby Steinberg's floral dresses were a hit amongst the audience who also had the pleasure of enjoying some Baby Steinberg swag.
The night finished off with a Mad Maus after-party with Gibran Ramos and a market was open a day later for sartorialists to see the collections up-close and buy their favourite designs.
The Dressing Room Project
From the naughty masseuses at Zorica Vasic's 'The Pump Room' to the intriguing knits at Andrew MacDonald's 'Heavy Heart' there was an installation for just about everyone to get fascinated by. 'Janieta Eyre' and 'Phashiom' by Franco Berti/Cameron Wilson were beautifully haunting rooms I'll never forget and David Anderson/Slavica Panic's 'Hello Gorgeous' is pretty much what I envision heaven to look like.
With avant-garde runway shows, videos, performances and thought-provocking installation art shown through The Dressing Room Project, FAT (Fashion. Art. Toronto.) provided fashion lovers with an ode to love with nights of longing, lust, rage and joy.
Day 1: Longing...
The evening got kick started with a chilling performance of 3 Solos 1 Duet as choreographed by Mark Frerichs featuring an opera performance throughout. Favourite shows of the night included Jasper Garvida whose colour-blocked, dark-toned shifts and muted knits had heads turning, Square Root of Two presented minimal looks which hailed straight from the Netherlands, while Sheridan College Textile Studio sent nymph-like creatures down the runway that were pretty in pastels.
Day 2: Lust...
Highly anticipated show Refined by Evan Biddell didn't disappoint as he sent down models in studs, leather and pop-art prints. Biddell's roster of models included Toronto it girls Leesa Butler and Kealan Sullivan as well as fashion powerhouse Gail McInnes who also walked in the first show of the night for Starkers Corsetry. Dianna DiNoble of Starker's Corsetry had people lusting after her 18th century inspired creations complete with all things feathered, patent leather and sheer.
Day 3: Rage...
People were far from enraged upon seeing designing darling Heidi Ackerman's collection of looks for construct(this). She presented models clad in architecturally-inspired outfits made of both hard and soft materials that were met with roaring cheers from the audience during the final walk. Romandin by Christina Sabaiduc peaked everyone's interest as the show featured a video of the manipulation of Sabaiduc's magnetic dress as what was once a light, beautiful maxi became a frothy cocktail dress.
Day 4: Joy...
I spent this evening happily volunteering and to be honest I couldn't tell you if the view is better onstage or backstage. With constant flashbulbs going off, impeccably styled models and fashion personalities, it was like a house party full of the people I usually blog about. Amidst the joy were the whimsical prints on the sharply cut designs by Felicia Burke and the live photoshoot turned art installation named 'Joy Is My Muse.' Taessa Chorny sent out glamourous evening wear while Baby Steinberg's floral dresses were a hit amongst the audience who also had the pleasure of enjoying some Baby Steinberg swag.
The night finished off with a Mad Maus after-party with Gibran Ramos and a market was open a day later for sartorialists to see the collections up-close and buy their favourite designs.
The Dressing Room Project
From the naughty masseuses at Zorica Vasic's 'The Pump Room' to the intriguing knits at Andrew MacDonald's 'Heavy Heart' there was an installation for just about everyone to get fascinated by. 'Janieta Eyre' and 'Phashiom' by Franco Berti/Cameron Wilson were beautifully haunting rooms I'll never forget and David Anderson/Slavica Panic's 'Hello Gorgeous' is pretty much what I envision heaven to look like.
FAT's Alternative Fashion Week absolutely cannot be missed. This event only happens once a year and it will exceed your expectations. Believe me, there's nothing mundane or repetitive about the art, performances, or collections at FAT which is a great platform for the unique, innovative, and sometimes, strange set. Also, it's a great way to support local and international designers that you don't often hear about. For more information go to: http://www.alternativefashionweek.com/.
You can also read more about my adventures as a volunteer here:
http://www.clothinghanger.blogspot.com/2010/09/fat-alternative-fashion-week.html
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