By Violet MacLeod

Photography by Kareen Mallon and David Pereira

Returning this year as an official media sponsor for |FAT| Arts & Fashion Week, FAJO Magazine will have an exclusive access to all the fabulous shows. Ahead of the event that runs from Apr.23 to Apr.27, here’s what you can expect!

Every year at |FAT| brings something fresh. The focus in 2012 was Fashion Scapes: Land.City.Body.Future., while the 2013 theme is Fashion Therapy: Drama. Craving. Crisis. Escape. Euphoria.

Vanja Vasic poses for FAJO. Photo: Kareen Mallon.

Vanja Vasic, founder of this international event, says “this year, |FAT| will explore the psychology of fashion.”

When designer Theresa Ibbetson found out the theme her first thought was: “‘Wow… This week is going to be epic.” Ibbetson adds that she can’t wait to see other designers’ interpretation of each theme. The Toronto-based creative mind behind B.E. Shields loves the event’s amalgamation of art and fashion: “It is not your ordinary runway show, but an event where each evening is carefully orchestrated, to not only reveal up-and-coming designers but also provide a show.” Ibbetson will be presenting her collection on Apr.25, and says she feels honoured to be amongst the roster of very talented designers.

This year’s show also has a new feature. “We are thrilled that |FAT| has extended the program to include five days for the first time,” Vasic explains.

The runway at |FAT| will present close to 50 collections, with both Canadian and international designers displaying their lines. International talent includes artists from the Philippines, United States, Jamaica, Iran, Switzerland, Mexico, United Kingdom and Siberia.

Vasic says a lot of attention will be placed on one country in particular: “We have a special focus on Mexico, with participating designers, fashion photographers and filmmakers who have graced the pages of important publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and NYLON.”

Canadian designer and creator of the brand Du Larée, Andy Jones, will show his collection #WERK2013 on Apr.26. Jones says he is taking part in |FAT| because “it is a great opportunity to showcase a conceptual collection with a theme.”

A piece from Du Larée by Andy Jones. Model: Cait Alexander. Photo: David Pereira.

Revealing his line’s inspiration, Jones says he was “inspired by the past, present and future; looking for inspiration in East Indian saris, modern silhouettes and futurism.”

New to the Arts & Fashion Week is Mexican brand MALAFACHA. Founded by designers Francisco Saldana and Victor Hernal, MALAFACHA will be showing its collection Martillo [Hammer] on Apr.26. The presentation will be firmly rooted in Mexican history – the line is inspired by witchcraft and the persecution that happened during the Santa Inquisition.

The team says they decided to participate because it is a new experience to present their collection outside their country, and that they’ve never been to Canada: “We really think that in fashion there cannot be borders. So to be with different designers with an experimental vision like ours is a good reason to go.”

And what can you expect from |FAT| Arts & Fashion Week as a whole? “An incredible selection of designers and artists from across Canada and around the world,” Vasic sums up.