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

three models walking in a runway for Kyana Bird’s collection for Toronto Fashion Week 2023 — Kyana Kingbird’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection on the runway (Monserrat Quintana / CanCulture)

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.

Model looking at the camera while walking on the runway — Look from Kyana Kingbird’s collection for Fashion Art Toronto 2023 (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

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.

Model wearing a blue top and pants along with a black belt on their waist — Madeleine Nelson look for Fashion Art Toronto 2023 Fall/Winter (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

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.

Model posing for a picture on the runway, wearing white pants and a stripped poncho — Nouvelle Route du Coton look from collection for Fashion Art Toronto 2023 Fall/Winter 2023 (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

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.

Model wearing a butterfly-like crop top and re-sewn pants with different material — L.A. Xandr look for Fashion Art Toronto 2023 (Monserrat Quintana /CanCulture)

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.

Model wearing a white blouse with a purple textured tie. On the bottom the model wears a layered skirt with two belts — One of Macel's looks for Fashion Art Toronto Fall/Winter 2023 collection (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

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.

Model smiling wearing a coloured button patterned blazer. On their head the model wears a uniquely designed hat — One of the looks from KYNG KEVI by SkinnyBoiX’s collection Fall/Winter 2023 Fashion Art Toronto collection (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

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

Model wearing a sparkly silver dress along with a silver wig on the runway — House of Hendo look for Fall/Winter 2023 Fashion Art Toronto collection (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

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.

Model posing on the red carpet wearing an all-black mesh outfit with a flintstones tie — Ange Lauriane, @lo_bunnies on Instagram posing on the red carpet (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

model wearing a red blazer and sparkly shorts with red leggings underneath. — Sovyk, @Sovykk on Instagram posing in front of Fashion Playground at Fashion Art Toronto (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

Invitee wearing a denim jacket with a brown leather collar. Underneath they wear a denim jacket paired with wide-leg jeans. — Shorromme posing in front of the Fashion Playground at Fashion Art Toronto (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

guest wearing a pearl-coloured dress standing in front of a white background. — VIP guest posing in front of Fashion Art Toronto sign (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

two women sitting on a white chair posing for the camera while waiting for the runway show to start — Isabella Deiulis and Neda Madany sitting in front row for Kyana KingBird fashion show (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

Designers showcasing their outfit while they stand next to the shops — Brandon Keir and Michelle Forcelledo standing in front of Fashion Art Toronto sign (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

models wearing Nouvelle Route Du Coton’s collection on the red carpet — Nouvelle Route Du Coton team poses on the red carpet of Fashion Art Toronto (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

Two women standing in front of a fashion week sign — Attendees at Fashion Art Toronto - Bratz dolls! (Khadijah Ghauri CanCulture)

Two women with colourful hair behind a bar — Bartender Barbies! The women behind the 1664 bar! Khadijah Ghauri/CanCulture)