5 things to see at Fashion Art Toronto

Year after year, Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) rolls around and shakes up the scene just when we think we've seen enough for the season (kudos to Toronto Fashion Week). Running from April 12 to 16, runway shows, live performances, short films and art exhibits will animate the Daniel's Spectrum (585 Dundas St. East) with conceptual art and fashion.

Now in its 11th year, |FAT| seems to be taking its annual themes to new levels. DRESS CODES will explore the connections (and disconnections) between fashion and identity. Tickets are $40 for one day and $120 for a full week pass. The photo and art exhibits are free!

Here are 5 things to look forward to at FAT this year.

Runway Shows
Over 50 runway shows will take place, showcasing collections from both Canadian and international designers. From established to emerging, FAT's lineup features the wear-able, the experimental, and the avant-garde. I'm particularly excited to see what Evan Biddell, Feyanki Law, L'uomo Strano, and Oscar Mendoza have in store.

Performances
Fashion shows won't be the only thing to hit the runway - energetic performances will also take the stage. Musical and dance performances will be scattered throughout the week. Pastel Supernova will show us her burlesque moves, Mister Miguel will belt out his new single Boy Toy, and NvS will merge corporeal mime, bellydancing and traditional Afro-carribbean dance.

Fashion on Film
Short films are a significant part of FAT's programming. Every year, projections from filmmakers and fashion designers alike dazzle attendees with striking visuals and sometimes provocative messages. Since this year's theme covers identity, the expectations are high for truly stimulating imagery.

Photo Exhibit
Quite possibly my favourite part of FAT, the fashion photography displayed outside the runway room every year is consistently wonderful. This time around, work by Sophia Baboolal, Michele Taras and more will decorate the space (you can expect original and eccentric images).

Art Installations
Also presented just outside the runway room, FAT's multi-media art installations are quite the sight to see. Many of this year's pieces explore new technologies, like Raw Finery Studio x Electric Runway x Izzie Colpitts-Campbell's Mobius - a headband that reads the wearer's brain activity to illuminate a dress.

View the full FAT schedule on their website.

Photo by Peter Jung Photography in the blogTO Flickr pool.