For the rest of this wekened, Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) is taking over the T3 Bayside, a massive timber building near the waterfront on Queens Quay East.

The first show kicked off on Thursday, Nov. 14, and it was a special one celebrating the talents of Canada's most exciting 'up-and-coming' designers.

The runway showcase was a full celebration for the winners of the newly announced Myles Sexton Breakout Talent award.

The award aims to recognize designers in Canada that have an avant-garde aesthetic, while staying true to the theme of 'breaking barriers' in the industry.

Before the show kicked off, Sexton, a long-time collaborator of FAT, shared their first experiences with the organization as a runway model a little over a decade ago. The space became part of Sexton's queer journey to self-discovery.

"I remember putting on some heels and giving a walk that I had practiced for hours in my room," Sexton shared with the crowd. "Thanks to the people at FAT, like Vanja [Vasic], I was able to feel confident with the space I was in."

With a fully packed room of fashion lovers sitting in lined chairs, awaiting the lights to dim, I found my designated front row seat. 

First up from the award-winners was Lindsay King, an Indigenous Toronto-based designer specializing in luxury coats and business-wear attire. The chosen pieces, which had a running color theme of red, came from her recent collection aptly named the 'The Red Collection.'

Lindsay King leads her models for a final walk

"This empowering collection aims to artistically and actively raise public awareness about the ongoing continental crisis of Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous People," said King. "With over 20 years of experience in Indigenous social work, I designed this tribute collection in honor of and with the gracious guidance of survivors, families, Elders and artists."

My personal highlight of the evening was designer, Jacquline Bradica. From the strange silhouettes, to the multitude of body types, elements of the show briefly allowed glimpses to an intriguing future in fashion for the designer. 

Model struts with a design from Jacquline Bradica

The designer has also been noted for her usage of  a 'zero-waste' technique, combating the industry’s reputation for harmful environment practices. 

"I've been testing out ways to use fabric scraps and thread clippings to create new textiles using free motion embroidery," the designer remarked about her debut runway show. "I'm always looking to incorporate additional sustainable sewing techniques into my designs."

The third act of the show was none other than House of Dwir, a notable local brand that started as the brainchild of Dan Dwir. 

@blogto House of Dwir showing off their genderless & inclusive clothing line at Fashion Art Toronto!😍✨ #toronto #torontofashion #fashionarttoronto #fashionshow #fyp @Dan Dwir @FASHION ART TORONTO ♬ Pretty (Sped Up) - MEYY

"We're a genderless brand on a mission to build a future where everyone belongs," said Dwir. Flowing gowns and sparkly patterns decked the runway, a staple of Dwir’s designs, and Sexton also joined the walk during this act. 

A model graces the runway in a garment by House of Dwir

The show closed things down with a final presentation from brand sixnineosix, another Toronto-based label specializing in the dark and macabre. 

Recent TMU-grad, Jina Kim, told me they prefer their "colours, and patterns to fulfill a playful, dark, and whimsical aesthetic."

Models give a final walk showing the designs from sixnineosix

The show was clearly heavily inspired by all things Tim Burton, with black-and-white spirals that sent me right back to land of Beetlejuice. 

As the final model rounded the corner, all four designers of the show, along with Sexton, walked down the runway to a welcoming roar of applause. The energy in the room was electric, correctly kicking off the weekend fashion celebrations. 

The FAT festivities will continue on until Sunday, Nov. 17, with tickets still available.

Tickets for individual shows are currently priced at $40 for general seating, while front row seat comes in at $60. Day passes, which will allow you to see any show during a select day, are $100 for general seating, while front row is $200. 

Fashion Art Toronto takes place at T3 Bayside, 251 Queens Quay East.