by Rachel Schwab

Designer Dianna DiNoble of Starkers with model friends (l) Gail McInnes and (r) Ainsley Kerr

For the second night of Toronto’s Alternative Arts & Fashion Week 2010 - the theme was LUST and included hours of sheer, boned, feathered and silky wearables; along with miles of PVC, full-body make-up and even ‘Crotch Studies’, a photo exhibit by Benjamin Larose.

Starkers Corsetry by Dianna DiNoble led the fashion pack with an elaborate showing of gothic gals tied up in Edwardian blouses and 18th century corsets; decorated with feathers and ribbons; all set to a live rock opera by award-winning dramatic coloratura soprano Patrizia.

Diepo followed, showing a glamourous line of vintage-inspired underwear – bustiers, silk jumpers, camisoles -meant as outerwear for more the more feminine ladies among us. Next, One of Us Swimwear – love the one pieces that look like two with crisscrosses up the torso but you can design your own on their website. Pink Lady Fashion closed the first set with an “Anvil” collection, clothes adorned with chains and metal – and even more skin!

Even among painted ladies, leather and lace, Evan Biddell managed to steal the spotlight with his ‘refined’ collection of hyper-studded vests and full-body pop art prints. He handpicked his model friends that included Pastel Supernova, Leesa Butler of the FList, stylist Sarah J, Kealan Sullivan of 69 Vintage and Magnet Creative’s Gail McInnes, to name a few. After the show, the pack took their seats in the front row for the rest of the set.

Cherry Dewar of Dewar Couture (who previously worked with Evan Biddell) showed equally fierce warrior-like swimsuits (metallic-look), and leather-accented knickers and tops – all one-of-a-kind ‘street couture’ pieces.

digitalfabrik photos by Stan Olkha

Jessica Clayton showed another fabulously moody black and white collection of tiered-skirts, lacy shirts and classic-styled sassy cocktail dresses, some embellished with a hint of sparkle from mini studs.

Unfortunately I missed the last set of Pippa, Fashion Whore and Artifice – and all the yards and yards of PVC in every color (even pastels), sewn into the most creative and playful (and of course lustful) looks for every inner-domanatrix.

Judging from the photos I saw, ImagoZine, as always, put on an over the top extravaganza of make-up, costume and performance – really, really elaborate and time-consuming. Check out some ImagoZine on YouTube >>

Tags: FAT 2010