On a balmy summer evening in downtown Toronto, Le Germain Hotel Mercer buzzed with an energy that was equal parts innovation and elegance. This wasn’t just any industry mixer: it was a fusion of tech, AI, fashion and futuristic vision, brought to life by none other than Canadian designer Joseph Tassoni. The event gave us a taste of what’s to come this September when Tassoni’s next major show hits the runway.

From the moment guests walked into the space, it was clear this wasn’t your average fashion gathering. Glasses clinked as drinks flowed freely, and the city skyline glittered outside while inside, a live DJ spun a curated mix that perfectly matched the room’s vibe: sophisticated, upbeat and forward-thinking.

At the heart of it all was a candid and compelling fireside chat between Tassoni and Firehood, where they dove into the evolving relationship between AI, fashion and creativity. The conversation moved beyond buzzwords, addressing how artificial intelligence is already reshaping design, sourcing, manufacturing and even sustainability in the fashion world. Think less sci-fi, more real-world applications, like AI-powered pattern making, virtual fitting rooms and data-driven trend forecasting.

Tassoni, known for his bold silhouettes and Made in Canada designs, didn’t shy away from the role tech plays in his process. “Tech isn’t the enemy of creativity,” he said during the presentation. “It’s an enabler, it allows us to be smarter, faster and more intentional.” That ethos was evident not just in his words, but in the crowd he attracted: a brilliant blend of fashion insiders, AI entrepreneurs, creatives and digital trailblazers.

The event was also a preview of sorts, teasing what’s to come this September at Tassoni’s annual VIP runway show. If this soirée was the appetizer, the main course promises to be an unforgettable display of fashion-meets-function, with AI and innovation woven directly into the experience.

But let’s not overlook the details. From the impeccable cocktail selection to the ambient lighting and curated playlists, everything felt intentionally designed to spark conversation; and it did. Conversations highlighted the future of work, tech accessibility, gender equity in STEM, and how fashion remains a powerful platform for cultural commentary.

There was laughter, there were selfies and, yes, there were even a few business cards exchanged over negronis. The crossover between fashion and tech may be growing, but Joseph Tassoni is making sure it doesn’t lose its soul along the way. This evening proved that a beautiful dress and a well-trained algorithm can, in fact, coexist and that the future of fashion looks a lot like this: inclusive, intelligent and incredibly stylish.

We’ll be counting down the days to September. If this event is anything to go by, Joseph Tassoni’s upcoming show will be the ultimate celebration of Canadian design, innovation, and that magic sweet spot where couture meets code.

In case you missed it, make sure to read our coverage of the 2024 show that includes teasers of what you can expect this year. See you on the runway in September!

FAJO Magazine is pleased to return this year as the official Media Partner of Joseph Tassoni’s fashion show 2025.

Tickets for the event are now available for purchase.

Photography by Zach Hood and courtesy of Joseph Tassoni.