Local talents and creatives celebrate shared love for fashion on the Fashion Art Toronto runway and Fashion Playground on Nov. 17 this year

By Monserrat Quintana

Diversity, attentiveness, grit and impact are four words that describe this season’s collections at Fashion Art Toronto.

Friday Nov. 17 was the second day at  Fashion Art Toronto. The venue was filled with visual and audible vibrance. As lights reflected from the posters on the wall, the attention was turned to the attendees on the red carpet who came dressed to impress. 

Outside the runway room is home to the “Fashion Playground” where some designers showcased their collections in a more interactive setting. 

As the audience took their seats, the lights dimmed inside the runway venue. And it begins — a night of celebrating extravagance and a passion for fashion. 

Kyana Kingbird

The night kicked off with Kyana Kingbird, an Indigenous designer who makes custom one-of-one garments. Once the show started, Kingbird’s designs stole everybody’s stares and admiration. Worn by a diverse group of models, the designer chose black, pink and blue as the main colours of her collection.

Madeleine Nelson

Coburg, Ont. based designer, Madaleine Nelson showcased a collection inspired by the 60s and cowboy aesthetics. As a returning designer at Fashion Art Toronto, Nelson showcases a collection centred around her favourite colour, with pink as the main colour palette. Accompanied by country music, the garments showed an elevated moment.

Nouvelle Route du Coton

For the third show of the night, Nouvelle Route Du Coton showcased different patterns and textures as an effort to promote the cotton of Mali

Suburban Deviant

Suburban Deviant showcased a maximalism aesthetic in their collection. Being  one of the most expressive and colourful  collections of the night, designer Danny Welsh did not lack in his creativity. After the runway exhibition, the models stayed on the “fashion playground” for a fashion exposition. They were accompanied  by special lightning and beautiful colours in the display that complimented Welsh’s designs.

L.A Xandr

L.A Xandr demonstrated a colourful collection resembling a rainbow. The made-to-order slow fashion brand based in Toronto centred its collection on sustainability and used recycled materials to create every garment. 

Macel

Following the last show, the lights were turned off and the logo for “Macel” was shown on the screen — a brand featuring four designers who are first-time participants at Fashion Art Toronto.

For it being their first fashion showcase, their organization and presentation were impeccable. 

From hoodies to gray velvet pants to shoulder-pad shirts , the designer gave a wide variety of designs. 

KYNG KEVI

At the “fashion playground”, KYNG KEVI by SkinnyboiX showcased their collection on the runway platform. The designer’s collections displayed a sense of uniqueness and unconvention. Designs like complex buttons on a blazer, sparkling skirts with fun ties reflect the designer’s creativity

House of Hendo

For the last show the night, attendees weres pleasantly surprised by the production and the intricate collection from House of Hendo. It started with the presentation of a collection of memories and the creation of the garments.

As the touching video came to an end,  the first model came out to showcase the first look. The show featured glitter and sparkles,  a special moment to close out the second day at Fashion Art Toronto.