TMU Fashion alum and students featured during Fashion Art Toronto
Fashion Art Toronto highlights a number of designers, artists and vendors as part of runway shows, exhibitions and experiences. The event incorporates on-site and off-site experiences, including runway programming, installations, boutiques and live music. This year’s Spring shows feature various TMU Fashion alumni and current students.
Roja Moradalibeygi and Maneli Ramezannia, both TMU Fashion students graduating this year, are two of the designers being featured on the runway. The duo says the opportunity is impactful as it allows designers to showcase their work to more people. “Having our work included in FAT means a lot to us because it gives us the opportunity to share our creative voice with a wider audience,” said Roja. “As fashion students, it is very meaningful to see our ideas, process, and hard work recognized in a professional setting. It also feels empowering to be part of an event that celebrates creativity, individuality, and the future of fashion.”
One of Maneli’s looks was featured at the 2026 Mass Exodus runway show. (Photographer credit: Cosplay)
Roja and Maneli’s work for FAT is inspired by themes of femininity, confidence, empowerment, and self-expression. “We wanted to explore how fashion can communicate identity and emotion, especially through silhouette, material, and color,” said Maneli. “Our design process involved researching these ideas, developing sketches, experimenting with fabric and form, and refining the final piece so it could represent both our personal vision and our growth as designers.”
When it comes to preparing for the show, the team says that the TMU Fashion program provided them with the technical skills and “creative confidence” to bring their ideas to life. “Through our courses, critiques, and hands-on projects, we have learned how to develop a concept, communicate it visually, and execute it with attention to detail,” said Roja.
Roja’s work was also featured during the 2026 Mass Exodus runway show. The upcoming collection at FAT will feature five additional looks. (Photographer credit: Cosplay)
As for future students who may be looking to pursue opportunities such as this one, Roja and Maneli encourage students to stay open to opportunities as they come. “It is important to trust your work, put yourself forward, and not be afraid of rejection. Every experience helps you grow, build confidence, and understand your creative direction more clearly,” said Maneli. “We would also encourage students to connect with others, ask questions, and take advantage of the resources and communities around them,” said Roja.
This year’s runways at FAT also feature TMU Fashion alumni. Anmol Handa, a TMU Fashion 2024 grad, will be one of the designers having their work on the FAT runway. She says that having her work included in FAT is impactful and will allow for her to share her work on a large stage. “Having my work included as part of Fashion Art Toronto means a lot to me because FAT has always been a platform that celebrates creativity, individuality, and emerging designers,” said Anmol. “Being able to showcase my work there feels like a full-circle moment and an opportunity to share my vision with a larger audience in such an inspiring space.”
Anmol’s work was featured in the fall edition of FAT. (Image courtesy of Anmol Handa, Event photographers: @prevalentfocus @cosplay, @devansakaria @mio_mak @_yaranehme)
Anmol’s collection is inspired by the idea of overcoming obstacles and personal growth. “It explores the emotions people experience while navigating difficult situations and highlights the strength it takes to keep moving forward,” she said. “Through the silhouettes, movement, and details of the garments, I wanted to capture resilience, transformation, and the idea that beauty can still emerge after hardship.”
In terms of her education, Anmol credits TMU Fashion for the skills and confidence she gained. “TMU Fashion helped prepare me for this experience by pushing me creatively while also teaching me how to work within real industry environments,” she said. “From technical design skills to collaboration, styling, fittings, and show production, the program gave me the confidence and hands-on experience needed to present a collection professionally. The support and mentorship from faculty also encouraged me to continue pursuing opportunities within the fashion industry after graduation.”
Anmol walks the runway after her show during FAT’s fall runway. (Image courtesy of Anmol Handa, Event photographers: @prevalentfocus @cosplay, @devansakaria @mio_mak @_yaranehme)
Anmol’s advice for students looking to pursue a career in fashion? Take risks. “My advice for other students is to put yourself out there as much as possible and not be afraid to take creative risks,” she said. “A lot of opportunities come from networking, volunteering, collaborating, and simply showing your work consistently. Even experiences that seem small can lead to bigger opportunities later on, so staying involved and building genuine connections is incredibly important.”
Fashion Art Toronto takes place from May 23-31. To learn more and plan your schedule, visit the Fashion Art Toronto website. (external link)