Fashion Art Toronto launches Virtual Fashion Week

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Oct 12, 2020

Toronto’s alternative arts and fashion week, Fashion Art Toronto, is going digital October 15 through Monday October 26, under a new format dubbed 'Virtual Fashion Week'. 

The 12-day online “fashion extravaganza” will be broadcasted on Fashion Art Toronto’s Instagram (@fashionarttoronto), and will feature 25 Canadian designers who will showcase their collections at iconic locations around the city of Toronto.

“We’ve really had to think outside the box and completely reinvent the format of Fashion Art Toronto this year, and it’s going to be an incredible season,” said Vanja Vasic, founder and executive director, Fashion Art Toronto.

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“We’ve created an engaging live virtual format that will share fashion through spectacular runway shows held at cool urban backdrops – plus we’ll be streaming a ton of creative behind-the-scenes content such as interviews, footage of models getting ready and more leading up to each show.”

Each day, a couple of virtual runway presentations will be shared via Instagram and will feature contemporary and experiential collections from designers and brands like vintage-upcycling brand House of Mannon, who will kick off the show on October 15, as well as womenswear designer, Nova Chiu; streetwear brand, Silent Simon; Kosmos Couture, and many more. 

Urban landscapes across Toronto will provide the backdrop for the runway shows, including The Bentway, Nathan Phillips Square, Ontario Place, the Ontario Science Centre and Toronto Music Gardens.

The finale on October 26 will be a takeover from Ryerson University and will feature collections from graduates of the Fashion program, at different sites throughout the Ryerson campus.

Considering viewers don’t have to buy tickets for this year’s iteration of Fashion Art Toronto, they are encouraging viewers to donate to FoodShare Toronto through a Fashion Art Toronto GoFundMe page.

The annual multi-arts fashion festival has long been dedicated to celebrating contemporary art and design through runway shows, live performances, fashion films, photography exhibits and art installations. 

“This has been a really challenging time for events and creatives alike, but often a crisis creates opportunity. The virtual format has allowed us to simultaneously promote fashion as well as celebrate the beautiful city of Toronto, while also allowing Fashion Art Toronto to reach a wider more global audience,” added Vasic. 

“We are just so happy that we can continue to provide our platform for designers and artists in a way that’s safe but still creative and engaging.”