Rail thin models are sometimes referred to as clothes hangers, but never by those who work with them. The models that walk the runway help to sell the idea that the clothes are meant to represent. They bring fabric to life. The faces of Fashion Week in Toronto are diverse, and the longer you look the more clear it becomes that there's not one model for beauty.

Being backstage at this season's Fashion Week gave us the opportunity to meet and photograph some of these bright young faces. Our close-up portraits also showcase the creative talent of the hair and make-up teams. These professionals worked quickly and tirelessly completing the fantasy of each show with colour and crimping irons.

Toronto Photo Essays are visual, themed collections of photographs submitted by readers of blogTO and members of the blogTO Flickr Pool. We appreciate the interactive, collaborative nature of this column, and encourage readers to submit photo essays for future consideration.