[FAT] Photos

Local model and celeb-transsexual icon Nina Arseneault made a cameo at the off-the-wall Cristabel show.


Gail McInnes and actress Amanda Brugel, the two ladies behind The Style Box (designer management) taking a break at [FAT].


The MakeUp For Ever crew was parked at [FAT] painting and faux-finishing models in multitudes of amazing creations!


Canadian actresses, all garbed in Starkers! corsets showed up at [FAT] in support of designer Dianna DiNoble.

[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".

[FAT] Day 3 GUTTER

Hand-painted model preparing for the IMAGOzine show | Backstage @ Jet Exhibit

...the nature of survival and the ways clothing negotiates limitations. The social, political, cultural and economical aspects of a place on the edge, raw, uncomfortable, unsettling, shifting and extreme.

(first I must say that the choice of music in nearly every fashion show so far this week has been amazingly suitable and awesome)

In its third night, the "alternative" in fashion really started to show through in the experimental collections shown. I unfortunately missed the first set of shows (Breeyn McCarney's Circus Couture, NEVA, UND's futuristic military, Harsh Designs, Tassoni Brasil accessories), but got more than a contemporary eye-full with the next two sets of seven!

And Gutter it all seemed to convey - from youth. inAsia's miles and piles of wound up cassette tape and film reel on clothing to the dramatic 'Salvation' show that had vicious models in chunky towering platform boots, strapped with guns and swords featuring goth designs of Asphyxia, Magdelina and Empire. This show ended with a child model blowing herself up with a grenade.

For the lengthy 20minute finale, IMAGOzine put on an over-the-top thriller with hand-painted, bloodied-faced suspensful performers in a variety of eerie fairytales. There was the Little Red Riding Hood hand-painted cape with wolves; a three-tiered cake girl and some scary angel-like, skeleton men.


The Queen West girls at Magpie, Cathy McDayter and Angela Mann expectedly presented an substantial edgy collection complete with silver sequins, deconstructed silk tanks and leather jackets made up of many many painstaking pieces. Although this collection is completely different from other things I've seen (they don't follow any themes and are inspired by whatever), its equally well-constructed and super fierce!

Now onto the more cheery experiments:

In Jocelyn Teng's Jet Exhibition, a line of girls constricted in painted canvas (?), hopped in wee jumps down the runway in an entertaining exhibit of artistic impression.


Kirsty Mckenzie recruited the ever-entertaining Lena Love (above in blue wig) to join the showcase of gawdiness at its finest: colorful, printed crushed velvet shirts and leggings, all adorned with platform shoes covered in flowers . This was a super fun show with tons of energy!

[FAT] Day 2 in Pix

Models pose in fashion student Cristina Sabaiduc's Romandin, one of the best collections of the night with its twisted, ropes and black poppy-like embellishments.

Photo op: A model poses...and poses in a whimsical Elizaveta Yankelovich Kameleon necklace.

Designer Jennifer Fukushima of Paper People Clothing poses with the gals in her show, outfitted in her eco-friendly, re-worked and completely hand-made clothes.

The Fermenting Cellar environment shot. Love the oversized balloons.

[FAT]2: DNS & A Girl in the Sky

by Rachel Schwab

Among 12 fashion shows, multiple photography and video screenings and Daniel's DJ sets, the two most stand-out highlights of the night were 1. an intense muscular performance by A Girl in the Sky and 2. the Deadly Nightshades' 'Danger Paradise'.

For its second night, more people showed up to support the dozens of creative folk working to pull together Toronto's four-day Alternative Arts and Fashion Week. The energetic vibe backstage was contained in the various pockets of designer crews working together in the same room; carnival-like in all the individual themes being created with hair, make-up and styling to complement the outfits.

As the opener for the Zuzanium fashion show, A Girl in the Sky, a two-women dance-like, gymnast-like performance, had the entire audience on the edge of their seats as we watched intense feats of strength put to the test. Just look at the pictures:



The Deadly Nightshades were definitely the most popular act of the night with their bike-friendly streetwear, presented with coordinating shoes, 'Deadly' underpants and fierce hair-do's (provided by Sasoon Salon). The gals even managed to secure an accessories sponsor, 2Revert, who made up earrings and knuckle rings recycled from skateboards.
Their "Drunk in the Trunk" show is April 29, 2009 @ 88 Nassau St.


(note: sheVisions also captivated with an aerial performance, donned in a silver bodysuit.)

Fashion Tonight @ [FAT]

DAY 3 – GUTTER – APRIL 23 /09
The nature of survival and the ways clothing negotiates limitations. The social, political, cultural and economical aspects of a place on the edge, raw, uncomfortable, unsettling, shifting and extreme.

DJ DANIEL WILSON

7pm
BREEYN MCCARNEY | NEVA | ÜND | HARSH DESIGNS

8:45
TASSONI BRASIL | JET EXHIBITION | MAGPIE

10pm
10:45 youth.inAsia | KIRSTY MCKENZIE | SALVATION by Asphyxia/ /Magdelina /Empire | IMAGOzine

$25/door

[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

[FAT] 1: Meet some new designers

Nahanee by Jillian Grant
Judging solely by the photos of the show, I assume Jillian Grant is a bikini designer (can't find her online) - but I honestly missed the clothes as we were much to busy admiring the Native-themed accessories; the the two hot-bod men stationed on the runway and the barely dressed gals str-uttin' it.



Matryoshka by Pink Lady
A collection made from felt; what to expect?
High-quality, saturated colors and whimsical pieces including circle skirts, high-waist shorts and even cut-out jumpers. All that craftiness brought a smile to my face!


Stars @ Love Cliche

[FAT] Day 1 Booty - a few photos

As always, very super cool vibe at [FAT] for its first night. Great performance and fashion; real-life, yet long-legged models; and tons of interesting people in equally interesting outfits (review to follow).

If you come to [FAT] in the gorgeous Distillery District, be sure to say hi to William and get your photo taken at the rustic, on-site GLAM Photo Booth - all professional photos will be available online >>

Photos above: NAHANÉE BY JILL GRANT | GLAM PHOTO BOOTH | YANG YANG

[FAT] Wednesday Schedule

Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week 2009
Distillery District, Fermenting Cellar, 55 Mill Street, East Building 6

DAY 2 – PLANET – APRIL 22 / 09
How do we create a balance between progress and nature? A look at the current state of the globe and work that deals with fashion and art in relationship to the environment and sustainability.

6pm MUSIC DJ DANIEL WILSON

6:45 PERFORMANCE sheVISIONS

7pm FASHION SHOWCASE ZUZANIUM | ANIKA | andal-lopez | WORTH. BY DAVID C WIGLEY

7:45 MUSIC DJ DANIEL WILSON | UMBRELLA MAFIA

8:45 FASHION SHOWCASE AMANDA ROSE | CHERRY BLOSSOM | ROMANDIN BY CRISTINA SABAIDUC | DEADLY NIGHTSHADES

9:15 MUSIC DJ DANIEL WILSON | THE JING BANG SHOW

10:30 FASHION SHOWCASE PAPER PEOPLE CLOTHING | ELIZAVETA YANKELOVICH AKA KAMELEON | MEET MY ART BY BABY STEINBERG | TOO HOT TOO WET TOO DANGEROUS: BY KAREY SHINN

PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEO SCREENINGS
CAITLIN CRONENBERG: In Your Nature
ANNA ROSS: Trees in the City
LORRAINE FIELD: Body / Field: Inscriptions Temporelles
BBB JOHANNES DEIMLING : Bread or Alive
LA STACHE: Survival By Disguise
BOJA VASIC: Parallel World
HELEN FLETCHER: Rose Darling (The Projection Gallery)
SIMON LEWANDOWSKI: Millions Now Living Will Never Die (The Projection Gallery)
ANTHONY ELLIOTT: Get a Job (no. 2) (The Projection Gallery)
VESSNA PERUNOVICH: Veiling-Unveiling

|FAT| TICKET INFO
Advance tickets: $20/Day Pass $55/Week Pass

The Rage: 2 Kensington Ave., Kensington Market
Magpie: 884 Queen Street West
Jazma Hair: 8 St. Joseph St (Young and Wellesley)
MOOG Audio: 442 Queen St West
Flaunt Boutique: 260 Carlaw Ave. Suite 101B, Leslieville
At the door: $25/Day

WWW.GETFAT.CA

[FAT] DAY 1: Tuesday Schedule

Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week 2009
Distillery District, Fermenting Cellar, 55 Mill Street, East Building 6

DAY 1 – HOME – Tuesday, APRIL 21 / 09

Exploring the roots and history of the places we come from. The theme reflects on issues around diversity, interconnection, and convergence between art, clothing and various domestic influences.

6pm MUSIC DJ FEMME NORMALE

7pm FASHION SHOWCASE FASHION WHORE |DIEPO | KATRINA TUTTLE

7:45 MUSIC DJ FEMME NORMALE | THE THING IS

8:45 FASHION SHOWCASE NAHANÉE BY JILL GRANT | LOVE CLICHÉ by Belinda Visag | MATRYOSHKA BY PINK LADY | YANG YANG

9:15 MUSIC ELEMENTZ | DJ FEMME NORMAL | SAIDAH BABA TALIBAH

10:30 FASHION SHOWCASE CHRISTOPHER PAUNIL |LUBICA | JESSICA MARY CLAYTON | VESTURE

11:00 MUSIC DJ FEMME NORMALE

PHOTOGRAPHY/ VIDEO SCREENINGS / PERFORMANCE
TREVOR BRADY: At Home
SLAVICA PANIC: Device
BBB JOHANNES DEIMLING: Blanc #6
GÜL ILGAZ: Holding On
LAUREL MACDONALD: Dear Provenance
SYLVANA D’ANGELO: Tamara
SUZANNE CARTE-BLANCHENOT: The Musical, w/ Sky Fairchild-Waller and York Dance Ensemble
EMMA HART: Rushes (The Projection Gallery)
RENATA KUDLACEK: I Wonder If You Wonder (The Projection Gallery)
YOKO FUKUSHIMA: Making Circles (The Projection Gallery)

|FAT| TICKET INFO
Advance tickets: $20/Day Pass $55/Week Pass

The Rage: 2 Kensington Ave., Kensington Market
Magpie: 884 Queen Street West
Jazma Hair: 8 St. Joseph St (Young and Wellesley)
MOOG Audio: 442 Queen St West
Flaunt Boutique: 260 Carlaw Ave. Suite 101B, Leslieville
At the door: $25/Day

WWW.GETFAT.CA

[FAT] NOT TO BE MISSED Event!

|FAT| Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week returns to the Distillery District, (55 Mill St. Bld. 6) April 21– 24, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

FOUR days of fashion, music, performance and art, each night with a different theme:
Home, Planet, Gutter & Beyond.

april 21 |HOME| Designers and artists explore the place which is most familiar and known to us. The night looks at the meaning of home through culture and history, romance and beauty, power and subtlety, sexuality and domesticity.

april 22 |PLANET| In celebration of Earth Day, |FAT| responds to the challenges of surviving in an increasingly unpredictable planet. By showcasing work that suggests a balance between progress and nature, this night presents artists and designers concerned with sustainability, innovation, technology, evolution and adaptation.

april 23 |GUTTER| Unsettling. Shifting. Extreme. How do we survive in these volatile times? |FAT| explores art & fashion through the current social, political and economic aspects of a place on the edge.

april 24 |BEYOND| |FAT| takes a glance at where we are headed and how we can reinvent ourselves. Artists seek to experiment, play, and dream. They push barriers and challenge conventions. Imagination and the extremes of invention shape possibilities for the future.
Inclusive. Engaging. Diverse. |FAT| builds connections, opportunities and communities. This interactive festival acts as a platform for creators to experiment with fashion, not only as a commodity but also as an art form.

|FAT| FACTS
+ |FAT| will showcase 46 collections on the runway, over 40 visual and performing artists, and 14 music groups.
+ Advance Tickets: $20/Day Pass, $55/Week Pass @
The Rage: 2 Kensington Ave., Magpie: 884 Queen Street West, Jazma Hair:
8 St. Joseph St, MOOG Audio: 442 Queen St West, Flaunt Boutique: 260 Carlaw Ave. Suite 101B. $25/Day @ the door

+ For a complete schedule visit www.getfat.ca

Alternative Fashion Week Alternative Model Casting

March 22. 2009 from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Glam Studio and Gallery; 649 The Queensway, Toronto
Map: www.649thequeensway.com
Bring: 2 recent photos of yourself and a killer walk

Calling the city’s most diverse beauties to strut their stuff in a walk-off during this spirited and rare casting event.

Once again |FAT| challenges the status quo and takes a socially progressive approach to fashion by inviting men and women of all shapes, sizes and ethnic varieties to bring their killer walks to our runway.

“We are looking for real men and women with striking, conventional, unconventional and exceptional looks, ” says Vanja Vasic, executive director of |FAT| Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week.

|FAT|’s mandate to create an inclusive environment means selecting models who best represent Canada’s diversity. This year the focus is unearthing passionate individuals that have the fire and confidence to engage, excite and turn heads on the runway. “|FAT| models are not display cases; they are people who breathe life into the clothes.”

Tattoos, piercings and other “forbidden” characteristics for traditional models are embraced at |FAT|. “Truly beautiful people are those who aren’t afraid to break boundaries and be themselves, ” says Vasic.

This year, we are looking for models to work it on the runway for 4 fashion-filled, sensory-indulgent, action-packed days.

Judging Panel: Vanja Vasic: Director of |FAT|, William Zaiden Chrysler: Fashion Photographer, Wesley Badanjak: Designer for LOVAS

FAT| Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week will take place April 21-24, 2009 at the Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District.