It’s a wrap! Closing day at Fashion Art Toronto 2023 #FashionArtToronto

Fashion week in Toronto comes to a fabulous end featuring local designers and TMU fashion students 

By Sena Law

models walking down the runway amidst rows of attendees

Kerotix’s shows their collection for the first time at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

This November weekend flew by as Toronto fashion enthusiasts gathered for the most anticipated bi-annual event of the year. The 2023 Fall/Winter season of Fashion Art Toronto took place at Black Creek Assembly from Nov. 16 - 19, featuring over 40 Canadian designers and their designs over the four days.

On Sunday the 19th, FAT wrapped up with 11 local designers showcasing their collection, and notably showcased an additional 18 Toronto Metropolitan University students and alumni designers in collaboration with the Fashion program at TMU's the Creative School — marking this collaboration a first of its kind in FAT history.

Each complex design and piece presented on the runways of the Sunday show reflects the unique artistry and identity of the designers. Whether it’s a tribute to classics, a hoorah to cultural heritage or just plain extravagance, this without doubt was another phenomenal Sunday to close out this season of Fashion Art Toronto.

A model wearing all pink walking down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Ms Meri Mak showcases an all-pink collection FAT FW 2023 (leadrunway_@cosplay/CanCulture)

Ms Meri Mak

The Guelph-based boutique woke up attendees at the Sunday show with a pop of colour. Each model was seen in bright pink or orange cocktail dresses while rocking a slicked-back braid and sunglasses. Sequins and tulle are common themes amongst the dresses, perhaps a call out to the recent revival of Barbie. This collection was demanding attention with the articulated “baddies” aesthetic complimented on the runway by an energetic Pop Smoke track.

A model walks down the runway in a purple track set amidst rows of attendees

KDJM shows off designs of colourful at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

KDJM Studio 

Kareem Mitchell of KDJM Studio brought to FAT an intriguing collection that elevates day-to-day silhouettes.  Featuring mind-bending psychedelic-esque prints and silhouettes that are balanced between flowy and structured, this collection is the embodiment of wearable art.

A model in a green coat walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Kollen Boutique showcases a collection of luxurious winter-wear at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Kollen Boutique 

Kollen Boutique’s winter collection featured an array of ethically sourced coats and outerwear crafted from genuine leather, fur, and wool. An exclamation of elegance and class includes longer trench coat styles and more modern cropped silhouettes, with the consistent motif of fur hoods and cuffs.  

A model in a white flowy dress walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

RT showcases a collection centring on sustainability at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

RT

RT by Bangladeshi born eco-friendly artist, Refaya Turshin brought urgent issues of sustainability onto the runway at FAT. Slogans like “Love your planet, it chose you” were projected on the screen before a collection of “toxin free, organically dyed out of trash, eco-couture wear” was dawned. Models showcased the minimalistic and earth tones designs while they walked the runway in their barefoot and face paint, redirecting the emphasis on sustainability practices in the fashion industry 

TMU X FAT

This position of the show is a collaboration between TMU and FAT, comprising collections from 13 Bachelor of Design undergraduate students, three Master of Arts Fashion candidates and two alumni. This project aims to showcase Queer and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) student work on the runway. Here are some of the highlights.

A model in a all white outfit walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Curtis Matysek, a TMU Fashion grad showcases a collection that emphasizes corsetry at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Curtis Matysek

A masterful manipulation of fabric, texture and hardware. Matysek brings back elements from his graduate collection "A Horrific Exploration of the Queer Sublime." Gracing the runway with his classic yet innovative designs that feature different variations of corsetry and draping.  

A model in a white shirt and denim skirt walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Joyin Rey showcases complex designs that incorporate draping and denim fabric at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Joyin Rey

Perhaps my favourite collection of the Sunday showcase at FAT, Joyin Rey brings to the runway a fabulous collection of intricate silhouettes. The use of backstitching and intentional asymmetry made the collection visually engaging. Reminiscent of Prada and Miu Miu, Joyin Rey’s navy and brown designs channel themes of the academia aesthetic with an ultra-playful twist. 

A model in a purple dress walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Delfina Russo showcases her hyper-feminine designs at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Delfina Russo

A collection of hyper-feminine designs, Delfina Russo showcased a reimagination of playing dress-up with dolls. Colourful and bold, and with an abundance of pearls, bows and girly elements, Russo’s collection is a figment of nostalgic girlhood.   

A model in a blue corset and stripe skirt walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Camilla Leonelli Calzado showcases a collection celebrating her Cuban heritage at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Camilla Leonelli Calzado 

An exploration into her Cuban heritage, Calzado brings us an interpretation of the Cuban Carnival. Whimsical but not lacking in class, this collection features contrasting colours and more use of corsetry. 

A model in a intricate dress and feathery head piece down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

SWZ Studio presents an intricate piece inspired by traditional Chinese culture at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

SWZ Studio

A tribute to the traditional Chinese dress, Maribelle Zhang and Emma Liu presented a grand installation on the runway that features an over-the-top extravagant headpiece. 

A topless model wearing a large head piece walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Sebastian Blagdon displays a collection of headpieces FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Sebastian Blagdon

Sebastian Blagdon brings to the runway a collection of headpieces which can only be described as art installations. The effort put into these pieces to not only ensure its structural integrity but retain its intricate form must not be undermined. 

A model in white shirt and brown skirt walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Solouk showcases a monochromatic collection at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Solouk 

An almost entirely monochromatic collection by Solouk graced the runway. Those familiar with the brand will recognize its signature aesthetic of androgynous chic. Unconventional layering of black on black, pleated and textured fabric and mesh are a common motif throughout. Influence from brands like Rick Owens and Margiela are hard to ignore. Simple yet complex, Solouk’s collection was nothing less than captivating. 

A model wearing red and black walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Brandon Kier showcases a his “afterlife” collection at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Brandon Keir

Brandon Keir returns to the FAT runway, this time embracing the theme of “afterlife”. This edgy collection features the prominent colours of black and red. A clever incorporation of hardware like safety pins and grommets, encapsulated edge and streetwear. If there is couture in hell, this would be it. 

A model in a purple jacket walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Purple Hearts Supply showcases a collection with their signature colour at FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar/CanCulture)

Purple Heart Supply

Purple Heart Supply showcases a collection of versatile streetwear essentials, featuring its signature colour, purple. 

A model in a pink and grey outfit walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Kerotix showcases a out of this world collection for the first time FAT FW 2023 (Kinza Zafar / CanCulture)

Kerotix

Kerotix makes its debut at FAT this year with an out-of-this-world collection that is anything but conventional. Futuristic designs feature corsetry, lots of paddings and imaginative silhouettes. Something you can take from Kerotix’s showcase is that conventional proportions are overrated. And I can say I have been convinced. 

A model in a pink and grey outfit walks down the runway amidst rows of attendees 

Kendrick Tran wraps up FAT FW 2023 with a black and white collection (Kinza Zafar / CanCulture)

Kendrick Tran

Kendrick Tran’s showcase was something more of a theatrical performance. He opened with a video monologue that questions all of our existence, and then the collection kicked off with heavenly all-white pieces. After an interactive segment engaging the audience by asking them to turn on their flash, the showcase then transformed into an all-black collection of designs coming down the runway. Reminiscent of Dion Lee, Tran’s designs feature classic silhouettes with bold cut outs. Elegantly modern, this was a beautiful and dramatic conclusion to FAT 2023

Fashion Art Toronto Day 3: Barbies, Club Kids and space cadets take Toronto’s breath away #FashionArtToronto

On Saturday, Nov. 18 2023, Fashion Art Toronto designers, new and old, revamp the runway with this fall/winter season showcase.

By Reema Najjar

Model wearing white off-the-shoulder above-the-knee dress while holding green cash tote.

Fashion Art Toronto model Amrit, showcases Mr. Haque. (Reema Najjar/CanCulture Magazine)

Day three of this fall/winter season at Fashion Art Toronto was a fusion of fashion and performance art ranging from violinists, to choreographed dances, and musical performances. 

Most notable was Indonesian violinist Arma Dharma’s musical stylings for designer Juan Iskander’s KOH Montreal. KOH Montreal featured Fashion Art Toronto’s first Indonesian model, Jeremy Tobing. 

Check out these runway designs in this CanCulture-exclusive interactive gallery:

Nazia Rehman’s tailored silk has traces of influence from Barbie, with hot pink power suits, and subtle shoulder pads. 

Jessica Halabi’s bridal runway allowed for the extravagance of traditional Arab cultural weddings to take the stage. Halabi pays tribute to Palestinians with a Keffiyeh, a cultural and political statement embodying a symbolic show of solidarity. In sleek fashion, designer Jessica Halabi wore the Keffiyeh herself.

Mr. Haque's thematic approach to his collection was second to none. His new line ‘Avarice’ centers around a pinstripe pattern and incorporates choreographed dances. Before the debut of his first runway collection, captivating visuals grabbed the audience; with apocalyptic and cyber-punk elements. 

Lacel’s second season’s runway showcase, ‘Explicite’, was equally jaw-dropping with their ‘club kid’ inspired designs (quite literally written on the designs themselves). The designer behind Lacel, Julien Lacel, has experience walking for previous Fashion Art Toronto runways as a model themselves. This runway stood out, as models walked down sporting ‘Troll-doll’ hair to match the funky and psychedelic approach to fashion design. 

Raccoonguts took the audience by storm as well. A stylish warrior going to battle is what I pictured when viewing this runway. Most notable was the diversity in gender expression, and representation of disabled folks showcased with the model selection.

Last, but most definitely not least, the show closes off with VVeyago. A galactic journey was taken with this show. VVyeago’s designs remind me of futuristic space-wear inspiration, Star Trek comes to mind. Upon viewing previous runways of this designer, it is clear this designer has revamped and evolved this space odyssey-like show. 

A celebration and opportunity for exposure to local fashion design, Fashion Art Toronto attracts a vast genre of artists fascinated by what this city’s fashion could offer. The 2023 Fall and Winter season for its third day of Toronto’s runway showcase, reinspired, evolved and most importantly, slayed.

Fashion Art Toronto Day 2: Living in a modern world #FashionArtToronto

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

Models showcasing Suburban Deviant designs on the red carpet.

Suburban Deviant models posing for the red carpet (via Instagram @suburbandeviant

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)

Fashion Art Toronto returns for Fall 2023 show #FashionArtToronto

Over 40 Canadian designers displayed their multi-garments through runway shows, art installations and presentations at this year’s fall event

By Teresa Valenton

The multi-fashion festival, Fashion Art Toronto returns for fall programming at Black Creek Assembly. With an introduction to the ‘Fashion Playground,’ the first day of the festival, Thursday, Nov. 16, was kick-started by four in-house designers. First established in 2005, this festival has become Toronto’s longest-running fashion week in the city. Coming together to celebrate Toronto’s fashion scene, this year's cohort continues to push boundaries in the culture scene.

From experimental takes on Indigenous Futurism from Ayimach Horizons to Tristan Réhel’s eccentric border between reality and fantasy, day one of this festival left for extraordinary pieces. Other featured designers include Mayer and Fugnitto, with an opening presentation by Marisa Ricci. Each collection sought to explore and examine the boundaries of garments and their relation to each designer. By combining traditionally conventional designs with statement pieces, attendees were given an unforgettable experience. 

Check out these runway designs in this CanCulture-exclusive photo essay: 

A person wearing a bright green dress with eccentric makeup on the fashion runway.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a white sheer dress, long nail accessories, and a bow headband.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person walking on a fashion runway with a large white dress with colourful accessories in addition to bright pink makeup.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a ruffled pink dress with bright purple makeup on the fashion runway.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person walking on a fashion runway with a blue feathered face mask and multi-colour garments.

From Ayimach Horizon’s remix of cultural references into a space of Indigenous Futurism. (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a long white dress with a colourful bag and puffed ponytail on the runway.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a large ruffled black dress on the fashion runway with neon green makeup.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a draped pink dress paired with orange gloves.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a long, sleek orange dress with featured head accessory detailing.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a plaid boxy garment with a leather purse and yellow sunglasses.

From Ross Mayer’s androgynous collection rid of labels and restrictions. (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

Close-up shot of a person on a runway with a white top and wired blue hair accessory.

From Tristan Réhel’s curiosity for sexual liberation into ‘fever-dream-core.’ (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a plaid boxy garment with green sunglasses.

From Ross Mayer’s androgynous collection rid of labels and restrictions. (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

A person wearing a metallic top, and blue skirt, with yellow accessories on a fashion runway.

From Ayimach Horizon’s remix of cultural references into a space of Indigenous Futurism. (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

Back shot of a fashion model wearing a bright blue dress and braids.

From Ayimach Horizon’s remix of cultural references into a space of Indigenous Futurism. (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture)

19-year-old gets pinned as head of luxury streetwear line by HENDRIXROE

After a short interaction at Fashion Week Toronto 2022, Jordan Mckay, owner of HENDRIXROE, offered Costa Dumitras a chance that would change his future in the fashion world.

By: Monserrat Quintana

In September 2022, the application for designers, models and artists for Fashion Art Toronto Fall/Winter 2022 showcase opened. Two siblings — Costa Dumitras and Sophia Dumitras — searching for a place in the fashion world, decided to apply.

For Costa, a designer striving to reach a wider audience, fashion is important. Near the end of his high school years, he started a sustainable fashion brand where every piece was second-hand and redesigned. He also focused on breaking gender norms showcasing men wearing clothes deemed “feminine," such as skirts and crop tops. The second-hand redesigned aesthetic brought him to pursue a style now referred to as “Krater."

After two years of designing and working on it, he hosted his first fashion show in collaboration with a men-only fashion organization that offers opportunities for unknown designers to show their work. He has also participated in several markets in the city of Toronto, which allowed him to get more exposure in the community.

The plan was never to be a model. Costa would rather make the clothes than showcase them. He found the process of taking pictures “really cheesy” and said the application processes sounded like a headache to him. But Sophia had other plans. She was excited to start her career as a model and wanted her brother to join her on the journey.

Costa Dumitras modeling Krater sweater. He is using a grey sweater with Krater unique pattern designed with a silk-screen print machine

Costa Dumitras showcasing Krater sweater for a collection look-book. He is wearing Krater denim redesigned by himself. (Monserrat Quintana/CanCulture)

When the casting for Fashion Art Toronto 2022 was announced, Costa was surprised he had been chosen and his sister was not. He felt amazed to see that his tryouts had made an impact on his career. Even though Sophia was the one who wanted the role, they were both happy one of them would be part of the experience. Even though Costa was not interested, he was in.

When he arrived at Parkdale Hall in Toronto for the show, he immediately felt out of place. While everybody had suitcases and extravagant outfits, he had just returned from the skate park, his backpack on one shoulder and his skateboard in his hand.

People were hastily working on measuring clothes, fitting the models, and “yelling” at one another. Being part of the fashion industry during an important event showed him what it was really like “behind the curtains.”

Costa decided to investigate what every designer spot had to offer since, for him, this was an opportunity to make connections and get to know the industry better.

He met Jordan Mckay, the designer of HENDRIXROE, at a fitting session before the show.

During the show, Mckay realized Costa was not like the other models. He helped her move figures and garments around. He understood that Mckay worked in a fast-paced environment where her focus needed to be on improving whatever lacked “perfection,” and his behaviour showed that. This caught her attention.

Two days after the fashion show, Costa texted Mckay through Instagram direct messages and said: “I already miss you guys, let’s work together." In response, Mckay asked, “Would you be interested in working as a junior designer for HENDRIXROE and taking  on the streetwear side?”

Little did he know, his expectations would be quickly disproven. “This was almost meant to be — I got lucky,” says Costa. He accepted the offer to be the head of the line “HXR by HENDRIXROE,” a luxury streetwear brand, and began his journey as a young designer.

Mckay then decided to introduce Costa to other big names in the industry. His positive energy and commitment to making the business grow have allowed him to make a name for himself in Toronto’s fashion world.

Designers like Evan Biddell, winner of Project Runway Canada, have approached him to congratulate his work. “I’ve been getting invited to these crazy shows and exhibitions,” said Costa. “ I would've never thought I would achieve this so quickly.”

Their first project was the Palm Springs Fashion Week in 2023. HENDRIXROE showcased a 60-piece collection designed by Mckay and styled by the duo. This collection is inspired by high-couture fashion, with Jimmy Hendrix and Marilyn Monroe as influences. Dumitras and Mckay use a rockstar aesthetic that is “wearable” for every client.

The duo will soon launch a website with a catalogue for the clothes. “Jordan wants to grow her reach; my streetwear aesthetic and the online commerce will set it off,” says Costa.

Costa’s goal for HXR is to expand the business to Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. “The disposable income customers have in Canada is too low. People here have a much higher living expense compared to other countries in North America,” he says.

At the same time, Mckay has also been looking to appeal to a younger audience that will purchase garments in a simple way, considering HENDRIXROE, so far, is custom-made only.

Costa also wants to strike on his own, which has led him to start searching for tools to be able to put on a fashion show just like the one he attended. But this time, he wanted to be a designer.

Stallion.TO, a men's fashion show, offered Costa a place to create a fashion show for the first time. In December 2022, he made it happen. His brand Krater showcased a 10-look limited collection. Every piece is second-hand and reworked. Costa follows sustainable production practices along with a gender-neutral aesthetic for the garments.

Krater fashion show recap Dec. 9, 2022 (Instagram via @krater.world)

Costa has also been participating with fellow designers as part of a collective called CHROMA: Creative Collective in Toronto. They have participated in events such as  Toronto’s Night, and Hippie Market.  

CHROMA: CC will be hosting its own contemporary event on June 16th this year. Costa and his group have sold around $600 to 800 in limited pieces per day and designer.

Costa and Mckay have been working towards the launch of HXR at their temporary studio at 449 Church St. They will have a ready-to-wear summer collection inspired by each designer’s personal brands, HENDRIXROE and Krater. The duo shared their work in progress through Instagram stories and expect HXR to launch this summer. “People are not ready for what's to come,” said Costa.