Fashion Art Toronto has come to an end and although we do enjoy the down time, we're missing the array of vibrant and diverse collections that were strutting down the runway. I mean, no runway is more eccentric than Fashion Art Toronto.
From minimalist to avant-garde, our team was introduced to a range of emerging Canadian designers with talent that preceded anything we expected.
With that, from the plethora of designers we chose to showcase 5 emerging designers from Fashion Art Toronto that you should get to know:
Tala Nehlawi
Born in Damascus, Syria, Tala is an emerging womenswear designer based out of Toronto with exceptional talent. Combining modern, soft and structural pieces Tala's collections have been greatly inspired by architecture.
Our admiration for her pieces comes from her use of fashion as a method to communicate her stories to the world. Debuting her collection "JUX", a few of the pieces had the words “أنت العالم” in Arabic which translated to “you are the world” and women have the power to achieve anything they want in this world.
Steven LeJambe
Specializing in feminine silhouettes and unique style, Steven LeJambe is a Toronto based women's evening wear brand. From ball gowns to fitted fits, Steven makes pieces that are elegant yet sexy.
His latest collection debuted at F.A.T; "Ti Voglio Bene" means "I love you". Using texture and color, he showcased the depth of relationships and the various sides to them. In this collection he strayed away from his more delicate vibe and went for more impassioned.
📷@stevenlejambe
Stevie Crowne
Since 2011, Canadian fashion designer Stevie Crowne has been taking top quality vintage thrift styles and transforming them into design masterpieces.
Deemed an Eco-Friendly label, Stevie's collections are edgy and contemporary. His latest collection "Underground Monarch" stunned at Fashion Art Toronto featuring red, blue and gold accents. Since Stevie's inception he's competed for Canada’s Sustainable Designer Of The Year Award and most recently launched internationally thanks to the help of Perth Eco Fashion Week in November 2017, less than one week before showcasing a four look resort collection in Toronto on December 1st.
📷@onelooseboot
Najla Rahimi
Based out of Toronto, Najla Rahimi had always dreamt of being a designer and incorporating fantasy elements. Starting at a young age of 12, Najla created her label to promote powerful femininity, a classful soul and attention to fine detail. Each piece is a celebration of simplicity and sophisticated details.
The collection she showcased at Fashion Art Toronto "Ocean Waves" was in fact inspired by ocean waves. Her goal was to dress for all women and make pieces that are versatile and "thoughtfully constructed".
Diseiye
Diseiye Thompson is a Toronto based fashion designer focusing on luxury evening wear. Debuting at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week and various other platforms, Diseye has an eye for detail and creating killer gowns. Previously, Diseiye has interned and worked for industry professionals like Susan Dicks & Co, Greta Constantine & Lea-Ann Belter where they have honed their design and tailoring skills.
For F.A.T Diseiye launched a collection called "Confessions of Philautia" which was dedicated to the art of learning to self love; "knowing one’s true worth and understanding the complexity of the human soul". We loved this concept and the duality of feminine touches and strength in the gown's structure.
📷 @michele_taras