This fall, the latest look is [FAT].

The second annual Alternative Fashion Week [FAT] takes place at the Distillery District from October 17 to 19. The three-day multimedia showcase features the work of 42 designers, 22 visual artists and 11 music groups.

Fourth-year Fashion Design student Vanja Vasic created the event last year to provide an outlet for young artists and put Toronto on the fashion map.

“It’s hard for young artists to get noticed here because people don’t see Toronto as a cultural centre for fashion and design,” says Vasic.

Support from Ryerson includes funding from the University and the involvement of approximately 120 students and alumni as designers, photographers, stylists, make-up artists and volunteers.

“Ryerson is a huge part of [FAT],” says Vasic. “It’s good that students are involved.”

Fashion Design graduate Ginger Martini is exhibiting two women’s collections at [FAT]: Melancholy Rapture, “a sneak peak into the mysterious life of a woman,” and Rockzilla, a free-spirited collection inspired by rock ‘n’ roll.

“[FAT] is an amazing opportunity for young Canadian designers to showcase their talents to the public as well as the fashion industry,” says Martini. “It’s a great place to meet people that can help you out a lot later on in your career.”

[FAT] coincides with L’Oréal Fashion Week, which runs from October 16 to 21.

“Individual initiatives such as the Ryerson student initiated Alternate Fashion Week show that, like the Toronto International Film Festival, L’Oréal Fashion Week in Toronto has come of age and taken on a life of its own as a multi-faceted celebration of fashion,” says Linda Lewis, Chair of the School of Fashion.

Each night of [FAT] features a different theme: Fantasy, Seduction and Street. With three themed days of fashion, music and art, Vasic says [FAT] offers something for everyone. 

“It’s a great way to support young talent and see raw, talented artists,” says Vasic.