FAT fashion art toronto - accessories

Over-sized earrings and fur clutches at Lazar Couture

Last week I had the pleasure of attending FAT - Fashion Art Toronto, for the first time.  Celebrating their 10 year anniversary, FAT Arts & Fashion week is a platform for inventive and contemporary expression and this year certainly did not disappoint.  Have a look at some of my favourite accessories of the week.

Patchwork fur stole at JPorte

Headscarves at Kaela Kay

Wearable art at Jon Riosa

Nails at Evan Biddell

Turbans at Jon Riosa

Leather gloves stole at Ruzica

Masks at Little M Inventions

Head wear at VKeita

Goggles at Vanika

All photos: Jonathan Hooper

finding the ideal fringe jacket

So, my western fringe jacket count this season is up to four.  It seems ridiculous but...yeah its a bit ridiculous!  In all fairness to me, one I gave to a friend, one a is pale pink suede number that I plan to to dye black (any tips would be welcomed :), one is chestnut brown suede and over-sized and the one above, is a beautiful tan leather. 

I found the leather version buried in the back of one of my favourite spots in Kensington Market.  It was tiny, a hard find most often and free from any major damage.  I really liked it for its versatility.  Being leather it can transition to night and add some flare to my typical uniform, all black.

Leather fringe jacket (vintage, Flashback Vintage, Toronto, ON). Hat (vintage, Mama Loves You, Toronto, ON). Top (F21). Jeans (second-hand, 96 Tears, Toronto, ON). Bandanna, worn around neck (dollar store). Booties (Zara).

Photos Renza

excuse me are those your gran's shoes?

Fur coat (vintage, Flashback, Kensington Market, Toronto, ON). Jeans (second-hand, 96 Tears, Toronto, ON). Shoes (vintage, Seattle, WA). Top (F21). Necklace (vintage, Antiques at Pike Place, Seattle, WA). Diet Coke purse (Incognito). 

This is a snapshot of what it really looks like when we're shooting! Snow and sub zero temperatures with the occasional gust of wind that sends me running for cover. Think Spring :)

Photos Renza

up all night

I have been on the hunt for a snakeskin jacket for several years now.  Most often when I do track one down it is either not my size or well beyond what my pocketbook can afford.  

I have a laundry list of such gems filed neatly in the back of my mind that for as much as they frustrate me, I can't seem to give up on.  

I stumbled upon the jacket pictured below one night last summer when I couldn't sleep.  I was trolling Instagram as I most often do when I can't sleep and there she was!  Beat up and abused but the price was right, so I purchased the jacket not even knowing if it was going to fit.  

It ended up that the fit was perfect but the tears on the shoulders made it unwearable.  I brought it to a number of leather shops in Toronto with hopes that someone would help me repair it but was turned away several times.  

That was until I brought it to Shoppe & Tailor on Ossington at College.  Maegan the shop owner didn't seemed fazed by the task and her work proved that I shouldn't have been worried either!  As I have discussed before, dropping a vintage garment off at the seamstress always leaves a lump in my throat.  If something goes wrong that's it. The garment can not be replaced.  This is why finding a trusted seamstress is essential when you shop vintage or second-hand.  

Maegan was able to take some of the skin from the inside seams to patch the tears and use a matching suede in a couple of  other spots.  The results were pretty fantastic and I could not be happier. Just see for yourself!

Dress (vintage, 69 Vintage, Toronto, ON). Belt (second-hand, Lost & Found Vintage, Royal Oak, MI). Snakeskin jacket (vintage, @theboodlefactory, Instagram store, based in Detroit, MI). Snakeskin clutch (Club Monaco). Booties (Zara). Bracelets (thrifted, gifted).

Photos Renza