5 Queer reasons to attend Fashion Art Toronto

Fashion without queerness is nonsense. We’re the future dreamers, the gender benders, and the moment makers. While Fashion Art Toronto, aka FAT, hits town April 24 to 28, April 26 is the magic date to spot queer fashion on the runway. From gender-fluid models to brands that reimagine a sustainable future, here are the five reasons you need to attend.

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1. JayJay Kings

Known for his extreme makeup and gender-bending Club Kid looks, JayJay Kings will be strutting the runway at this season’s must-see shows. He’s already plastered all over FAT’s main page, pushing the boundaries of gender in various fishy looks. While we don’t know all the shows he’ll be in, we can tell you he’ll be walking for Maison Chardon on April 24 at 9 p.m.

Check out his mind-melting makeup looks on Instagram @jayjaykings.

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2. Stevie Crowne

The future is sustainable. Stevie Crowne challenges the fashion world with his inventive and stylish looks made from top-quality recycled vintage and thrifted clothes. While his last show was all post-apocalyptic visuals, expect bright neons, colourful metallics, and holographic textures at this one. Energy Never Dies hits the runway April 26 at 7:30; be there. In the meantime

Check out Stevie’s eye for contemporary silhouettes on Instagram @steviecrowne.

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3. Mars Alexander

Unapologetic and drop-dead gorgeous, Mars Alexander brings some much-needed gender fluidity to the runway on April 24. They’ll be walking for Maison Chardon alongside JayJay Kings at 9 p.m.

Take a look at their fabulous portfolio on Instagram @smorezz_.

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4. Kennie Mas

Fashion brand Kennie Mas dreams big and reimagines men’s fashion beyond the utilitarian. By transforming classic silhouettes with daring frills and bold makeup, they queer menswear into something otherworldly yet vaguely familiar. Their designs will hit the runway April 26 at 8:40 p.m.

Check out their work on Instagram @kenniemas.

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5. House of Etiquette

Ashley Davies and Mina Smart have had their latex designs on Vogue Italia front covers, in Chloe campaigns, and in Cabaret spreads. Their work has won them fans like upcoming pop stars Kim Petras and Allie X and megastar Lady Gaga. Now they’re bringing their designs back to FAT runways, on April 26 at 8:30 p.m.

Check out their coveted looks on Instagram @etiquettelatex.

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Fashion Art Toronto takes place at Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East, April 24–28. Check out the schedule: fashionarttoronto.ca/schedule-19.

Main image courtesy of Stevie Crowne and the Underground Monarch Runway show.