Fashion students, alumni and faculty hit the runway at Fashion Art Toronto
Multiple designers out of the School of Fashion showcased their work at Fashion Art Toronto (FAT), a multi-arts fashion event that took place this past weekend. With a return to in-person shows, Toronto’s longest-running annual fashion event, FAT, made a bold and well-attended debut. The 2022 show featured designs from 40 Canadian designers, all with different styles, histories and missions.
The Fashion Art Toronto runway show took place from May 6-8
From the classroom to the runway
Among the talented Canadian designers were community members from the School of Fashion. First-year fashion student Hyla Golden, alumni Josh Drakes, Julia Ciciretto and Lex Brown, along with lecturer Mic Carter all brought their designs to the main stage for FAT. Golden, who started the fashion program just this academic year, expressed her excitement about being involved with FAT so early on in her fashion career.
“It feels surreal. I started this little brand before I came into Fashion two years ago, so I never really pictured it getting to this point so soon,” she said. “I’m self taught and only just started formally in the Fashion program this year, so it was nice to be learning different things and applying them to my show as the semester progressed. I’m very proud of the hard work I’ve done to get here and the people that have helped me along the years of this fashion journey.”
Image courtesy of H.Y.L.A
Her brand H.Y.L.A (external link, opens in new window) features handmade pieces inspired by acceptance and self love. For Golden, the elation of being involved with FAT extends beyond completing her looks with accessories, shoes and makeup. “It’s the energy backstage and on the runway that is incomparable and the feeling of accomplishment you get once it’s done. You see how much everyone enjoyed themselves with something you created. It’s truly priceless,” she describes.
Image courtesy of H.Y.L.A
Image courtesy of H.Y.L.A
Inside L’Uomo Strano
Fashion lecturer Mic Carter also brought their brand, L'Uomo Strano (external link, opens in new window) , to FAT. L’Uomo Strano is described as “a very queer, black-owned brand aiming to create affirming wardrobes for gender-noncomforming folx and their allies through art and fashion.” The brand was born out of Carter’s blended interests in social justice, futurity, abjection and community within the fashion industry.
Image courtesy of Mic Carter
Image courtesy of Mic Carter
Against the grain with Drakes
Streetwear designer Josh Drakes graduated from the fashion program in 2021, but created his label in 2015. His clothing label, Drakes (external link, opens in new window) , can be identified at FAT by its rebellious aesthetic and the way it challenges the status quo of mainstream fashion. The high quality garments all tell a story, “designed with the past, present and future in mind.”
Image courtesy of Josh Drakes
Image courtesy of Josh Drakes
At the forefront of sustainability
Alumni Lex Brown founded her brand, Neoteny Apparel (external link, opens in new window) , in 2016. As a lifestyle and fashion label that prioritizes sustainable production, Neoteny uses up-cycled materials throughout their collections and sources fabrics from sustainable suppliers. Precisely designed, Brown’s streetwear collection swept the stage at FAT..
Image courtesy of Lex Brown
Image courtesy of Lex Brown
Embracing uncertainty
Having graduated during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Julia Ciciretto’s (external link, opens in new window) collection is inspired by processing uncertainty and finding clarity even in the most difficult moments in life. She brought her womenswear collection to FAT, featuring feminine silhouettes and unconventional fabrics.
Image courtesy of Julia Ciciretto
Image courtesy of Julia Ciciretto
To learn more about Fashion Art Toronto and the individual designers, visit their website (external link, opens in new window) .
About The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty at Toronto Metropolitan University making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Comprised of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto. https://www.torontomu.ca/the-creative-school/ (opens in new window)