Fashion Studio Magazine: FASHION WEEK

Saturday, July 15, 2023

FASHION WEEK

By Lisa Doherty

Fashion Art Toronto

Highlights

Blanche Hanger (Photo by Michelle Quance)

Fashion Art Toronto is arguably Toronto’s most rapidly growing fashion event in recent years. This season, the eccentric event took place back in April, taking over the Toronto Stockyards.

It was an extravagant week combining art and fashion, created by some of Canada’s best emerging artists and fashion designers. The Canadian fashion industry came together to celebrate and support several F/W 2023 collections that showcased a mix of sultry glam, classic comfort, and abstract edge. Emerging brands also stepped up to the plate, sharing the runway with Canadian veterans such as NARCES and Lesley Hampton. Each designer’s vision came to life with their own unique twist, blending fashion and art perfectly, to create their best show to date.

Photo by Hani Hoang

Aside from runway excellence, the venue was graced with wall-to-wall entertainment including a 360-degree photo booth, walls of abstract art, clothing and accessory vendors, complimentary drinks, a DJ booth, and performances by models, dancers and local talent. So, without hesitation, Toronto’s fashion community came out in full force to celebrate all of it!

Lesley Hampton (Photo by Michelle Quance) Click to enlarge

Lesley Hampton (Photo by Michelle Quance)

La Nouvelle Route du Coton (Photo by Michelle Quance)

Photo by Michelle Quance

Digital creators, brand investors, designers, as well as some of Canada’s top fashion influencers and moguls gathered along the runway to experience the upcoming trends for the F/W season including some noteworthy names like KYLE GERVACY, L’UOMO STRANO, ANNA FORA and EDUKO. Some designers created collections with passionate stories, like that of H.Y.L.A, and BRANDON KEIR’S genderless night shift collection. The dystopian trend continued with LOCO ONE turning heads with their bold comfort pieces, and 3ndolith’s uniquely accessorized multifaceted edge.

Blanche Hanger (Photo by Michelle Quance)

Modern sophistication and glam never disappoint on the runway in any show. However, this year at Fashion Art Toronto, guests witnessed a whole other level of glam with NARCES pulling out all the stops with their new modern take on the cocktail dress by using metallics, sequin and delicate rhinestone glitter. But glam doesn’t end with cocktail dresses and gowns. Chic power suits for all genders and all body types stole the show such as the clean silhouettes of EVAN BIDDELL and ELLIS ESQ.

Evan Biddell (Photo by Luiz Ribeiro)

Other designers who made waves at Fashion Week included some emerging designers like CUFF, PURPLE HEARTS SUPPLY, VVEYAGO and SAFI CREATIVES, alongside brands like HOUSE OF HENDO, who always know how to put on a great show. We hope to see all of these creatives continue to grow in the fashion industry for many fashion weeks to come. Congrats to all of the designers, artists, sponsors and the Fashion Art Toronto team for another successful season!