Some quotes from designers at |FAT| this year We chatted with some of the designers, both those who attended the shoot and those who were out of town! Here is what they said.
Dianna DiNoble, Starkers Corsetry The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: White Space Conflict How would you describe this collection in 3 words? Organic, science, corsets What are you wearing today? Black crocodile print buckled corset, 3d printed vertebrae necklace. Why are you participating in |FAT|? It’s a wonderful celebration of uninhibited fashion and art. As Canadians, we tend to play it a little safe, but |FAT| gives artists and designers a platform to explore without constraints.
Alexandra De Francesco, Asphyxia The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: BEAUTIFUL & DAMNED. (The capitalization and use of symbol are intentional.) What are you wearing today? Today, I went for a bit of a glamazon/Victorian vibe – a silk slip I handdyed with layers of custom colour, a corset from prettybitch, leggings and my trusty glitter heels. And I can’t forget my favourite necklace featuring antique embroidery scissors. It’s by Kathryn Shura of Curious Oddities, who is doing accessories for my collection this year. Why are you participating in |FAT|? |FAT| is my muse, my work’s yearly coming-out party. I soak up inspiration all year long and collect these gorgeous salvaged bits of beadwork and plumage and silk wherever I find them, and then stitch it all together into one-of-a-kind wearable art for one big artistic extravaganza. Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? Floria Sigismondi, Rose Bertin and John Galliano. All three take a lot of risks and birth beauty the likes of which has never existed before – they have mastered the classical, and you can see its influences, but they take it to their own unique heights, creating layers of inspiration and multi-platform art that engages all the senses.
Paulina Wonders, Atelier Wonder The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Crystal Tokyo How would you describe this collection in 3 words? Oriental, motorcycle, gals Why are you participating in |FAT|? I have received great support from my surroundings and I strongly believe that FAT provides good exposure for an emerging artist such as myself. I am ready for my runway debut!
Baby Steinberg, Baby Steinberg How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? I like transforming materials by cutting and disintegrating them, giving new form and a new beauty! The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Red Carpet How would you describe this collection in 3 words? Vibrant, intricate and chic Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? I admire Oscar De La Renta, one of the most celebrated couturiers in the world. His work is distinctly modern, yet very feminine. His work has elements that I love: a vibrant colour palette, delicate silk prints, the use of ruffles, and soft silhouette.
Benji WZW, WZW How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? WZW is a London-based luxury street-wear brand, inspired by fringe Internet cultures, bringing together street tribalism with a narrative sensitivity. The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: FALL IN LOVE WITH MACHINERY How would you describe this collection in 3 words? Heartbreak and fast rides Why are you participating in |FAT|? It’s a great event, with so much raw energy and freedom of expression. It’s an amazing opportunity and honour to be a part of this event.
Hasti Homayoun, HASTI How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? Artistic handcrafted label HASTI balanced by inspiration of cultural symbols with modern looks and concepts, designed for a contemporary costumers who likes to express themselves. The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: “PARADISE” How would you describe this collection in 3 words? Modern, handcrafted, reused materials
Henry Navarro, Henry Navarro Designs How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? The fashioning of contemporary issues into stylish experiences. The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Femme Universalis What are you wearing today? Waxed skinny jeans, jack wool sweater, motorcycle jacket, boots and watch, all black.
Mitra Ghavamian, MITRA ghavamian How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? Focus on deconstructing clichés. The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Supertaskers! How would you describe this collection in 3 words? Exhausted multitask empire! Why are you participating in |FAT|? Because with |FAT|, there is truly no limit for creativity. Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? I love coco Chanel for freedom her clothes brought to women, and Alexander McQueen, because his designs broke-free from the constraints and convention of traditional fashion design.
Tanushree Pande, Poplyn The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Railroad What are you wearing today? Poplyn Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? Yves Saint Laurent. I have been inspired by his work since my college days. I love how he made 'ready to wear' into a reputable style statement. Also, everything from his way of turning men's cuts and silhouettes into feminine power dressing, to being one of the first designers to look for global cultural references as inspirations for his designs, have been a major influence on me.
Jennifer Menecola, Sainte Genovefa The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Formal Rebellion Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? Why? The late Alexander McQueen would have to be my number one fashion inspiration. After attending his exhibition ‘Savage Beauty’ in NYC a few years ago, his work was hauntingly relatable to me in ways that I cannot articulate. Evoking countless complex associations, thoughts, desires and opinions by taking a variety of materials with evocative qualities, and arranging them into a purposeful form of wearable art – in essence, this is what Sainte Genovefa strives to do.
Natasha Sakhuja, SAKHUJA How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? Some birds are just not meant to be caged, so why limit yourself? Why are you participating in |FAT|? |FAT| is an amazing platform for new and emerging designers, and artists to showcase their work. You get a better understanding and connection to what is relevant, new and happening in our city. I especially love the international fashion focus segments they have each year. It definitely brings a new perspective and knowledge to what is being produced.
Sera Ghadaki, SERAGHADAKI How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? The brand was born out of the desire to create versatile and thought-provoking clothing that tell a story through original prints and silhouettes inspired by landscapes, cities and their dwellers. The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Equinox Why are you participating in |FAT|? I’m participating in |FAT| this year to push the boundaries of ready to wear garments. This will be my first runway show and I’ve been experimenting with wearable technology, |FAT| is the perfect platform to present a work of this scope. Over the years, the festival has been elemental in bridging the gap between art and design, as well as emerging and established talent; I’m very excited to be participating this year. Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? I’m constantly inspired by street style; it’s so refreshing to see an individual with a completely unique sense of style, who has the confidence to stand out in the crowd. For me that candid, raw glimpse of someone whose style catches your eye through a sea of people is more inspiring than a single designer or celebrity.
James Serino, Serino How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? Unique fashion for the unique individual The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: The theme of the night is Grit and Glamour – so my brand's take on that is broken hearts and fairytales. The title of the collection is Essentials. How would you describe this collection in 3 words? Chic, elegant and comfortable Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? I would have to say music is my biggest inspiration. It’s universal and can be interpreted in many different ways, based on your own past and present life experiences.
Michelle Maynard, Simone’s Rose How would you describe your latest collection in 3 words? Chic, romantic, eco-luxe Why are you participating in |FAT|? It provides designers like myself with small businesses an affordable option to promote their brands and to push creative boundaries. It's a win-win situation. Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? Rick Owens - I love his approach to fashion and the industry itself. He respects traditional craft, while embracing innovation, and has a strong brand identity.
Ronald Tam, VANDAL How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? A concoction of elements from classical tailoring, combined with street-ready aesthetic built for everyday wear. The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Abomination Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? Nigo of A Bathing Ape – Japanese street-wear designer, who during the early 2000s was re-inventing the streetwear scene with ridiculous prints and colours, along with a flamboyant (yet very tastefully done) aesthetic. Also a marketing and business guru.
Vanessa Kiraly, VANIKA The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: The title of the collection is MORPHOSIS for |FAT| this year. It is inspired by the metamorphosis a caterpillar undergoes to become a butterfly. Why are you participating in |FAT|? I love fashion. I have been modelling since age 14 and I am 16 now. I've walked for several collections that have been an inspiration to me. I realized that I wanted to start this clothing line after making clothes for so many magazine editorials I modelled in. |FAT| is the start of a journey for me as a designer, and I love it because the event brings diversity to an industry that needs more of it. I am very happy to be a part of this positive message!
Jennifer Murtagh & Katherine Laird, WallacePlayford The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: La Dormette How would you describe this collection in 3 words? Dreamy, alluring, exotic Why are you participating in |FAT|? FAT allows us, as artists, the freedom to create unique expressive designs that celebrate individuality. Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? Why? There are fragments of inspiration that come from various designers, specifically from previous decades and eras for us. We always gravitate towards the fantastical, sensual and the whimsical, and admire the artistic presentation of designers that are telling a story.
Carrie Russell, With Love Lingerie How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? To introduce true design and fashion into the top drawers of the modern woman. The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Ce Soir Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? Well, though my design style is quite romantic, I am really inspired by pin-up model Bettie Page. Sounds strange but I like to think Bettie Page meets Snow White, and there is my ultimate style icon!
Katherine Phan, SimpleSmiles & Co. How would you describe the philosophy behind your brand in one sentence? Simplesmiles & Co. is a knitwear brand that strives to take knitting to a new level, by combining traditional knitting techniques and modern elements. The title of the collection you will be showing at |FAT| this year: Formal Rebellion Who is your greatest fashion inspiration? Sandra Backlund would be my greatest inspiration. She has pushed knitting to a new level and has created collections that are works of art. Each piece has intricate textures that resemble lush fabrics, however, everything is knit. Her work has inspired me to create beyond conventional knitting.