With the warmer weather and the beginning and month of May comes the energy and excitement of another season of shows with Fashion Art Toronto. Founded in 2005, #FashionArtToronto – or more commonly referred to at FAT – is one of the longest running fashion weeks in the country, and many would say, one of the most important. With my early experiences attending shows and events when I first started blogging, I remember the importance FAT in the fashion community was in its stark contrast to a more commercial and “polished” fashion week. The focus on emerging talent, creativity, individualism, innovation, anti-establishmentarianism, and modernity have always been at the heart of the organization, and this year’s shows and events are set to be some of the largest and most visible to date.
Fashion Art Toronto’s 1664 Fashion Week will be running Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 5 at Black Creek Assembly (131 McCormack St.) in Toronto, and will channel all things in ‘Bloom’ to bring stylish spring vibes to Toronto’s fashion scene.
What can guests expect? Runway shows featuring contemporary, avant-garde and experiential collections from more than 40 Canadian designers as well as an entertainment-filled Fashion Playground that boasts a 1664 Bar, guest lounge, 50-foot pink carpet, endless photo opportunities, two retail pop-ups with goods from over 25 local brands and artisans, and provocative fashion-inspired art installations.
Opening night onThursday, May 2 will see buzzy runway shows from Prescribed Shelter, Signed by Dahliah, Kyle Gervacy, OAMA and Ali Hader Couture.
Fashion Art Toronto is also sponsoring a special The Black Designers of Canada showcase – and on Friday, May 3 they will present two group runway shows featuring black owned brands including Kali Works, Mufaro Mukoki, SOAP Studios and Vibe The People. Artist and musician Roney X will also take to the runway to entertain guests with a special performance.
Designers and brands presenting collections throughout fashion week also include Brandon Kier, Caffery Vanhorne, Courage By Nisha, Crerar, DeathWorks, DESATITA By Mohit, Designerz Den By Esha, DonTalato, Elantur, FDS Clothing, Famluxy, Gemine Design, HAILMARY, Linges De Fuite, Meglio & Meglio, Neechi By Nature,, Siyawareva, Sons of Man, Stacey Mitchell Designs, Storrveldi, The Dyeverse, Three Sisters Designs, Tran Thien Khanh Design, Wave Fibre Mill, World of Folklore, Yawa Accessories and Zedes.
Looking to support and shop local designers? Make sure to visit the on-site Fashion & Beauty Boutique. A retail space with apparel, jewellery, accessories and beauty products from 24 Canadian artisans and brands including 1964 Brand, Anziety, Art & Alchemy Parfum, Ballerism Activewear, Clutch-It Handbags, DIFFERENT., Elaine.Official , Eleventwist, JustOne, Kali Works, Ken & Jame, Lowen Designs, Maverick Eden, MizDragonfly, Mohala Grey, Nokubu Botanicals, Repulo’s, Sydney Greer, Stoned & Grounded, SUR MOI, ULA, Wicked Lovely and World of Folklore.
To wrap the event with a bang, on Sunday, May 5th Liminul Magazine and Fashion Art Toronto are collaborating to host a massive fashion week after party at Geary Avenue Warehouse (209 Geary Ave). Tickets available to purchase online.
It should be noted that although I am a super fan, I encourage all of you to follow the fashion creators of Canada as they attend the shows and events, sharing about them with you all in real time.
Tickets to Fashion Art Toronto’s 1664 Fashion Week, including weekend and day passes, VIP front row tickets, single show tickets and student tickets, are now available online.
I hope you enjoyed reading and that if you’re not already, follow me on all platforms at @dothedaniel as I share in real time these adventures and more!
Photos by: Fashion Art Toronto, Easton Creative Communications, and participating partners and photographers.
Don’t forget to be kind & a little more honest with yourself this year
*Please note that this may be a sponsored post and promotional consideration may have been offered by participating brands – our disclosure can be found at all times by clicking here.