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The idea for Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) was born in 2005. I was in my early 20s and studying fashion design at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) when I did an exchange in London. I was really inspired by the British fashion scene and how much they pushed the boundaries. So when I came back to Toronto, I thought, “Why don’t we just do something like that here?” It was clear there was a lot of interest in Canadian fashion, because we had L’Oréal Fashion Week (Toronto Fashion Week) at the time. But for me, there was an opportunity to do something different—to break the traditional fashion mould and create something new. That’s why I originally named it “Toronto Alternative Fashion Week [FAT]”—because that word is confronting. “Fat” is the opposite of the “standard,” and I wanted this festival to be full of life: thick, juicy and provocative. I had zero knowledge of event production at the time, but I think I get my hard-working mentality from my parents. Both of them are hustlers; they sold jewellery and clothing on the streets of Communist Belgrade and then later in Canada, where I would join them at craft shows. Also, when you’re young and ambitious, you convince people that they need to help you. So I mobilized a bunch of students from TMU and OCAD University. My dad handled all the videos, and I put my full heart into building FAT.
Photography by BRIAN DE RIVERA SIMON
In 2005, we ended up with about 20 designers over three days and two gallery spaces around Queen Street West. It was incredible, but there was also a lot of shock. It was a bit of a naughty event; there were performances and nudity, and we had bigger bodies and trans models on the runway. It wasn’t accepted at all by the mainstream—but that was the point. FAT has always invited the queer community in and encouraged them to be themselves with no limitations. The mission statement has never changed. Today, I still wouldn’t consider FAT “mainstream.” What I think happened is that FAT was pushing these boundaries when no one else was really doing it, and then eventually the world caught up in terms of inclusivity and representation. But COVID-19 also changed a lot of things. We produced all of our shows online and staged really successful events by doing them more guerrilla-style. The pandemic made us adapt to social media. We became our own storytellers and can now reach so many more people; the fashion shows can live on longer. That’s not to say there aren’t any challenges. It takes a lot of money to present art. We’re trying to stay true to FAT’s alternative philosophy while making it a little more accessible for corporate sponsors. Also, the lack of government funding and support makes me sad. What are they doing? What else are they going to invest in when it comes to the economic development of fashion and apparel?
Photography BY HOOMAN ZAHEDI
Ultimately, my hope for the future of FAT is that we can continue to build and develop Toronto’s fashion identity. Specifically, I want to put our city on the map as a fashion destination and to take FAT’s designers internationally. Canada often struggles with self-confidence—our humility can sometimes hold us back. I want us to take pride in our designs and be excited to shop for them! For our 20th-anniversary show in May, we had 400 volunteers, 100 team members, 50 designers on the runway and 40 in the retail space and another 20 or so artists. That’s over 600 Canadians that all came together! I’m so proud (and surprised!) that this rebellious underground event has stood the test of time. Since the beginning, we’ve been a collection of underdogs, black sheep, insiders and outsiders all coming together to create something special. If that’s not art, I don’t know what is.
Say Anything
Don’t just take Vanja Vasic’s word for it: Three alumni reflect on Fashion Art Toronto’s lasting legacy and what the stylish event means to them.
Myles Sexton, Model, Content Creator and Hiv/Aids and Sobriety Advocate
Photography by JACK HATHAWAY
“I was 19 years old when I moved to Toronto, and FAT was the first big modelling casting I went to. From the very first moment I showed Vanja and the other judges my walk in heels, they were so supportive! It’s been incredible to see how many gender-diverse people are now on the runways compared to when I started. Fashion Art Toronto is leading by example and setting the standard for the rest of the industry. I would not be this far into my career without the support and help of FAT.”
Truong Nguyen, Model and Designer
Photography by MICHEAL OLALEYE
“One of my most unforgettable moments at FAT was walking the runway as a transgender woman. As I stepped onstage, I felt an overwhelming sense of liberation—this was not just about modelling a garment; it was about owning my identity in an industry that hasn’t always been inclusive. FAT has given me the freedom to express who I am without limitations. It is a space where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated. That is why FAT is so special to me: It’s not just a show; it’s a movement, and I am honoured to be part of it.”
Mario Fugnitto, Designer
Photography by CHRIS CHEUNG
“I have had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most outstanding artistic directors in the world, and I truly believe that Vanja ranks among the very best. What she has built through FAT goes far beyond just a fashion week; she has created a vibrant and inclusive community where people from all walks of life can be celebrated. As a dear friend, Vanja has been instrumental in my journey. Without FAT, I would have no platform to showcase my art alongside my friends. I’m profoundly grateful for the space she has nurtured and the opportunities she has provided for all of us.” This article first appeared in FASHION’s Summer 2025 issue. Find out more here. Continue Reading
