FAT focuses on Quebec designers
Toronto’s alternative fashion week makes room for artists affected by the cancellation of Montreal Fashion Week
It’s the fashion equivalent of extending the olive branch. Toronto’s alternative fashion week, FAT Fashion Art Toronto, has opened its arms to Quebec designers after Montreal Fashion Week, slated for February, was cancelled indefinitely last fall. Ten French designers — seven in fashion, three in art — have been given the opportunity to showcase their work during the five-day FAT festival (April 22 to 26, at Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St. E.) which typically shines the spotlight on less mainstream designers and highlights one international city. “In the past we’ve presented Mexico City, Berlin, Belgrade, Amsterdam. This year we wanted to bring the attention back to Canada,” explained Vanja Vasic, executive director of FAT. “Another reason was obviously because of Montreal Fashion Week . . . we wanted another platform for these creative designers to present their collections,” she said.
“When you go to Paris it’s a big thing, everyone knows about it. But here it was less spoken about . . . It should have been a week where you celebrate fashion.” MELISSA BOLDUC WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER
The Montreal labels include a minimalist collection by Luca Galardo, who designs the label Diodati, and African-inspired wear by self-taught Niapsou Di. Producers of Montreal Fashion Week have said they will roll the event into the summertime Festival Mode & Design. It’s unclear if fashion week will ever return. “I think it’s a shame that there isn’t that platform. Hopefully we will see something develop in the next few years,” said Melissa Bolduc. “For now I think there is an opportunity for Montreal and Toronto to learn from each other.”
For some Montrealers, the invitation to show at FAT helps make up for lost runway time. “I wanted to do Montreal Fashion Week . . . so it was kind of a surprise it didn’t happen,” said Bolduc, whose womenswear focuses on draping and asymmetrical lines. “It definitely is a loss.” Without its own fashion week, Montreal designers aren’t left with many ways to connect with buyers or media, Bolduc said. Even when the event was running it did a poor job of bringing much attention to designers. “When you go to Paris it’s a big thing, everyone knows about it. But here it was less spoken about . . . It should have been a week where you celebrate fashion.” Bolduc is excited about FAT because it approaches fashion with a different outlook. The event typically garners less media attention and fewer buyers, leaving more opportunities for anyone to stop by and soak in the unique designs, exhibits and performance art.
“It’s really about fashion itself. It’s for the public,” she said. “I’m showing my line that is in stores now so they can see it and go purchase it. It’s a quick response.” For ticket and venue information visit fashionarttoronto.ca.