[FAT] Art, Fashion, Performance & Music in T.O.

by Rachel Schwab

The things I love most about Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week [FAT] are its lack of pretentiousness, the laid-back artsy vibe and the show of support for designers, artists and performers.

For the four-day event, the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District is minimally transformed to accommodate a runway, stage, lounge area and flat-screen tv's. Strategic lighting ensures the space maintains its chill ambiance, while the rugged walls and open ceiling add to the grassroots vibe. The runway and video tables are painted in black chalkboard paint, then graffiti'd with hand-written words and phrases.

A few months back a model call was held for "real" models to walk in the almost 40 fashion shows - and the result is a awesome line-up of amateur, leggy guys and gals with all body shapes, sizes and colors, bedecked in tattoos and edgy haircuts. The models may not be pro, but they make the fashion shows and I'm sure we all appreciate their beauty and bravery!

[FAT] runs until Friday >> www.getfat.ca
Tickets $25/door