I attended [FAT], Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week, at the Distillery District last week. It was four days of music, art and fashion. It was a long week, so very long. I thought of bailing on many days of FAT, but I never want to miss any of the fashion shows. It’s always an internal battle.

There are a lot of designers to get through. So most of my reviews will be brief using word association. I’ll expand on a collection when necessary. Each day will get it’s own post.

Day 1 |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.

Fashion Whore – 50s, Vibrant prints, candy, nautical, baby doll dresses.

Diepo – Boudoir, femme fatale, midriff, 40s, black, feminine

Katrina Tuttle – houndstooth, party dresses, bubble hem, mix of textures with some unnecessary detail in places. The designer modeled in her own show, I liked that.

Nahanee by Jillian Grant – tribal influence (Africa, North American natives), Carnival in Rio, cross tops, gstrings and fringe covered bottoms

Love Cliche – mixture of textures, Chanel inspired skirt, too much fringe

Matryoshka by Pink Lady – felt the material of choice, brilliant colours, babushka, Katy Perry

Yang Yang – Amazing finale (pictured above), Chinese, abstract, nautical, stuffed clothing companions. All the models in white and red runners which happened to be the footwear of choice of the designer

Christopher Paunil – Bridal collection. Some of the fabric colours didn’t match up (unless that was intentional). I loved the tiered finale dress (pictured above) until I saw the applique that was applied. There was a singer who performed during the fashion show.

Lubica – bold colour, L.A. jersey dress styles, colour blocking, Caribbean Island girl style. Really liked this collection of jersey dresses, great colour combination with flower details.

Jessica May Clayton – Saw the collection at Mass Exodus. I really liked the sequined pieces until I saw that they didn’t cover the garment. I couldn’t deal when the model’s backs were to me. Beautiful front you should make the back count too.

Vesture – Most original use of shapes of the night. However, clothing needs to allow for movement if it’s to be of practical value to people. I hope they are aware their YSL cocoon reference was just that.

Top Shows of Day 1 – Lubica, Yang Yang

Day 1 Gallery will complete looks from all fashion shows.

All Photos Taken by Paul Baik for I want – I got, http://www.paulbaikphoto.com/