Grab your VIP ticket because you’re coming with me to fashion week!
Have you ever wondered what it’s like attending fashion week? The thrill of meeting celebrities, the extravagant designs and the out of the world atmosphere?
Well, I had the chance to attend the latest Fall/Winter 24’ season and I’m telling you all about it!
In case you haven’t realized yet, I am a fashion student—meaning I eat, breathe and sleep fashion. So, I wasn’t going to miss the chance to go to fashion week and share all the details with you.
Discover Fashion Art Toronto
The biggest fashion event in Toronto is 1664 Fashion Week, produced by Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) and sponsored by 1664 Blanc. Each season, they present upcoming designers who are changing the fashion scenery in the city. FAT reunites creative people from different backgrounds who get together for the same reason: fashion.
For four days, designers showcase their creations on the runways of 1664 Fashion Week. From influencers, models and stylists to journalists, singers and film producers, the event draws a diverse network of people seeking inspiration, authenticity and the opportunity to connect with other talented people.
In the latest season, I interviewed some of the most renowned names in the industry and gained a new perspective about FAT that you’re getting a first glance at.
From Vanja Vasic’s words
After 19 years of FAT thriving in the industry, its founder and creative director, Vanja Vasic said she is really proud of the event this year. As the mastermind behind the show, Vasic created an institution that brought Canada into the fashion spotlight.
“FAT has been a really good experience, the energy is so good and people are enjoying themselves.”
Vanja Vasic
Bringing avant-garde fashion to life, Vasic expressed her excitement about collaborating with designers who are inventive and forward-thinking. She highlighted designer and textile maker Padina Bondar, who turns garbage into art by transforming plastic bags into yarn.
“FAT encompasses a lot of designers and emerging brands who focus on sustainability and think how to create clothing without causing too much damage to the Earth,” Vasic said.
Vasic said she is mind-blown about FAT and the love from the community. Next year marks FAT’s 20th year anniversary, a milestone that Vasic shared will be a big and exciting year for the event. New things are brewing for the next seasons, so keep an eye on what’s coming.
A space for creators, dreamers and artists
Emmy Award-winning TV host, Patricia Jaggernauth, is a long-time FAT attendee. For years, she has been attending the event to enjoy its longstanding tradition of showcasing fashion.
“This year, Fashion Art Toronto has just elevated the game, now that we are down by the water, with floor-to-ceiling windows. During the day, we have sparkles from the lake, gorgeous natural sunlight, and in the nighttime, it is the place to be in Toronto,” Jaggernauth said.
With its new location in T3 Bayside, Vasic brought a new angle to 1664 Fashion Week that guests couldn’t stop loving.
“You get to see people from the fashion to the commercial scene, models, friends, you name it.”
Patricia Jaggernauth
Like Jaggernauth, Renesha Monaco, a Toronto-based content creator and entrepreneur, said FAT brings together a community of people where everyone is welcoming and showing support, including big fashion figures such as Roger Gingerich from CANIFFF and FASHION Magazine publisher, Deidre Marinelli.
Monaco said what she likes most about FAT is how it allows her to “be myself and never feel any shame, I feel like I can really express myself and be creative.” This creativity shows all through her style and energy.
“I never get to feel the way that I feel when I am not at Fashion Art Toronto.”
Renesha Monaco
For the third night of 1664 Fashion Week, Monaco wore a jacket by the brand Wander Bird, crafted from an upcycled duvet she had as a child. She described the piece as “very amazing and nostalgic.” Accessorizing with a Cheetos purse and Barney Crocs, Monaco’s outfit was a captivating and fun delight for anyone around.
As a fan of creativity, one of Monaco’s favourite shows was Suburban Deviant, which featured our own Humber Polytechnic talent, Alina Bairova, as a model.
Models who captivated the audience
Model and event planner Sara No H mentioned she loves being in creative spaces like FAT and appreciates how the event elevates each year, making it more interactive.
“As an event planner, there are a lot of things that I can learn from it, and it’s really cool to have this in the city—keep it coming,” she explained why she valued FAT.
On the opening night, No surprised everyone with a stunning garment from her best friend, Ali Riaz Chaudhry. The beautiful train from Chaudhry’s creation was a visual inspiration for those who saw it.
“The designs from Fashion Art Toronto are like art in moving form.”
Emily Anne Fullerton
Emily Anne Fullerton, a model who walked for three brands at 1664 Fashion Week: sixnineosix, House of Hendo and House of Dwir from Myles Sexton’s breakout talent show, had her thoughts on FAT.
“I love fashion, I love creativity, I love art, so FAT is the perfect mixture of all of those things. I also love the inclusivity and diversity that make this event so beautiful.”
The creativity and expression of Fashion Art Toronto
You might think going to fashion week is just about watching runway shows, but it’s more than that. Fashion Art Toronto also brings artistic exhibits and shops, providing artists with a space where they can show their art.
Designer Mohit Maini displayed two pieces from his upcoming collection, “Bhava,” which translates to “emotions” in Sanskrit. Each piece represents one emotion, such as the ones in the exhibit—a contrast between passion and anxiety versus peace and love.
“I get inspired by what I feel, and that’s why I love what I create and want to do till the day I die”.
Mohit Maini
For Maini, passion has always been in his life, but just recently he found peace in it.
“When you have a lot of passion, it comes with anxiety. But, finally, I feel at peace, and if I keep going like this, everything I want will happen”, he reflected while seeing the two pieces side by side.
Maini emphasizes the importance of single-item production, as also portrayed by the brand RéELLE, which turned the night into a protest for slow fashion. Posters with powerful messages like “No fashion on a dead planet” demonstrated the importance of taking action now and the crucial role of sustainability in fashion.
Fashion week through my eyes
My opinion about attending fashion week may be biased—after all, I love fashion so much. But, it truly is an experience anyone interested in creativity, fashion or art should experience.
Fashion week is this extraordinary place where you can be heard about things that are often unnoticed, such as disrupting the industry, the need for slow fashion and advocating for artists.
Every year, fashion lovers look forward to those days when everything feels like a fairytale. The exhaustion and expensive Uber rides don’t matter anymore because you’ve finally made it to that magical place.
You might be questioning yourself, “How can I attend the next event? First, make sure you clean up your calendar for the next Spring/Summer 25’ season. If you are into photography, social media or modelling, you might be able to get a Media or VIP ticket—be sure you email the right contacts. Also, you can volunteer to help behind the scenes or purchase a day pass with a student discount to access exclusive shows.
Prepare your outfit and phone storage to enjoy fashion week—it’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Feature image by Kimia Kordestani, courtesy of Fashion Art Toronto.
Want to keep an eye on the fashion around campus? Check out the Street Styles series!
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for all things student life.
