[FAT] Day 4: Beyond

Top: Wesley Badanjak with models from his show | Runway photos courtesy of digitalfabrik.ca

Someone said to me that the fourth night of Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week is called 'Beyond' because the fashion is all 'beyond' comprehension.... This may be true for the majority of the collections shown throughout the event, with some major exceptions, particularly in the first set of shows last night.

In its finale evening, we watched some of the best, most concise and well-made collections of the entire week:

Canadian designer David Dixon showed up in support of Wesley Badanjak's LOVAS - a near perfect, flawless and very wearable collection of classic pieces entirely in a gradient of black, charcoal, teal and white with black and white graphic print tunics and dresses. Every aspect of the Fall 2009 set, entitled 'In Shadows' show was exceptionally executed and sponsored from the styling and make-up, to the Nine West footwear and Rita Tesolin accessories to the the line sheets and collection information. FORD Models, likely channeling Coco Rocha, walked the show with gorgeous super long hair and dark lips. I strongly believe we'll be hearing and seeing more of LOVAS in the future...


Designer Martha Sharpe with models in her 'Salvadore' line of clothes

LOVAS may have been a tough act to follow, but Ryerson grad Martha Sharpe redeemed respect with her Salvador dresses and tights with figure-flattering curving, piping that accentuate hips and bums. Many of the grey and black dresses were littered with colorful Mexican floral appliques - but the shoe accessories that ran up the calves made up for any cons we felt during the show.


Heidi Ackerman with a model from her show | Runway photo courtesy of digitalfabrik.ca

Talented and award winning designer Heidi Ackerman also managed some 'aahs' from the audience with fresh knit jumpsuits and leggings; complementing organic cotton and bamboo avant-garde-style dresses and skirts, making her in my opinion one of Toronto's hottest upcoming designers. Unfortunately her line is not currently sold in any Toronto stores, but read her blog to stay updated >>

Another of my favorite parts of [FAT] is the intermixing of performances: and expressionist art I wouldn't have otherwise seen. In 'Electra', Genevieve Favre Petroff, rooted on a pedestal with a long white gown and silver hair, mesmerized all of us who were sitting up front with her 'Bjork-like' voice and fibre optic lights that lit up on cue. I don't think anyone will forget, "Cran-berry joooose. Cr-annnn Berry Joooo-se".