The Much Music Video Awards: Teen block party of the summer. It takes over a good portion of downtown Toronto and shuts down Queen Street. Fans line up for hours beyond hours trying to acquire a prime spot by the stage and stay committed until the very end.

The anticipation of the annual MMVAs is almost too much to handle, with hype beginning in early May and steadily building up until the final performance. The crazyness officially begins over a week prior, with fans camping out 2 days in advance just to score a highly-coveted ticket in. This turns the MMVAs into a week-long event, two stage set-ups causing street closures and sidewalk traffic jams.

Much Music pride themselves in giving the MMVAs an opportunity for fans to get as close as possible to their fave celebs, something that other big shows tend to lack. Anyone can come down and check out red carpet arrivals, watch the show from the street sans-wristband, and even watch sound checks the day before.

There was no shortage of energy and hormones at this year’s awards, with the Jonas Brothers co-hosting and performing twice. Throngs of girls packed the streets, covered in writing and sunburns, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their favorite fantasy. The rest of the performance line-up included The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Alexisonfire, Shiloh, Billy Talent, Classified, Rise Against, and Nickelback. Guest presenters like Taylor Lautner and Brody Jenner induced echoing shrieks from every angle that could be heard for miles. Mass hysteria is just how we do it up in Toronto.

The televised, 2-hour live award show began at 9pm, with the Jonas Brothers opening on the main stage. Everything ran smoothly with no technical issues, major wardrobe malfunctions, or fainting teen girls. Crazy pyrotechnics, explosions, and booming bass turned the downtown core into a spectacle most likely seen and heard from space.

Here’s a look of the scene behind the stage, where artists go through to and from the stage.

Mostly hanging around the press room, I got to take some photos of winners and guests against the MMVA media wall. Highlights below.

Fergie with Kameleon Jewellery

Lady Gaga with Jil Sander sunglasses and New Era cap

Girlicious with GUESS Watches

Michelle LaFevre with BENCH Apparel

Tila Tequila with CHA CHA handbags

Etalk’s Traci Melchor with MOROCCANOIL

MMVA Gift Lounge Photos by George Pimentel
Words and Photos by Melania Fedyna

Lady Gaga wants your soul, Toronto. And she’d probably fuck you for it, too. A little or a lot of ridiculousness is what most have come to expect from the Lady, and she wasn’t skimping on it in Friday night.

An overall energetic performance at the Kool Haus, the show started at 10:40pm (about forty minutes late), and ended at midnight. Gaga rocked multiple wardrobe changes, including her “bitch in a bubble” ensemble, and brought out the disco stick.

The crowd was filled with Gaga-wannabes; blonde wigs, sequined dresses, eccentric hair pieces (including my own giant flower). Girls and gays alike got rowdy to the tunes and robotic dance moves provided by the current, so-called “Princess of Pop”.

The piano was brought out for a stripped-down rendition of Poker Face, partly played with her legs spread apart on the keys. Because why not? Also sung was a cover of Kanye West’s Heartless which sent the crowd in a frenzy of sing-a-long.

There were quite a bit of philosophical theories and life stories from Gaga’s end, both between and during songs. She wants you to know that money ain’t a thang, and that the most important thing in the world to her are her fans. Lyrical contradictions aside, LG played a new song which she thinks might be about dildos.

Definitely a character, Lady Gaga knows how to take things to the very edge, sometimes taking a casual stumble over.

This was Lady Gaga’s final show in which she performs alone on stage. In this upcoming tour, there will be a band backing her. You can catch her opening for Kanye West later this year.

I stopped by the official Lady Gaga-hosted after party at Ultra, also marking the opening night of a crazy MMVA party-filled weekend. Gaga did indeed come and I got a glimpse of her in a secluded booth donning her signature shades. Chad Kroeger of Nickelback along with Midway State and Rumer Willis were also in attendance. And we can’t forget Perez Hilton (or can we), who was also in town, following Gaga around like a desperate puppy. A crowded patio, relatively deserted main floor and glass of water later, Gaga-overdose forced me to call it a night. I stepped out the door only to be greeted by eager autograph-seekers and Rumer Willis-stalkers. Overall, successful evening.

Words and Photos by Melania Fedyna

Thursday evening, Kool Haus was host to a benefit show called Peace Dot Love. With local Canadian talent playing for a good cause, all of the night’s proceeds went to youth at risk in an attempt to end the cycle of violence.

The line-up included Stereos, Rebel Emergency, Down With Webster, Dragonette, TMDP, USS, and some eccentric dancing troup who joined USS on stage. The night had a good turn out; people of all ages showed up to support the artists and help a worthy cause in the process.

Photographic evidence below.

Stereos

Rebel Emergency

Down With Webster

Dragonette

TMDP

USS

Previously mentioned eccentric dancing group, featuring salsa-induced excitement.

Words and Photos by Melania Fedyna

I have never wanted to consume alcohol more than while listening to The Black Eyed Peas‘ new album, The E.N.D. Not because that’s what it takes to get through the 15 track-listing, but because it is in solid running for the most fun-filled record ever! The E.N.D. (which stands for “The Energy Never Dies”) is BEP’s third Fergie-featured album, fifth in total. The energy has indeed not died. Fizzling for a few years, their spark has been reignited and the Peas are back with a new look and sound.

Taking a 3 year hiatus in which each member worked on solo projects including both Fergie and will.i.am‘s solo albums, they laughed off rumours of break-up and speculation. This is the ultimate proof of recharge.

Delivering a self-described “futuristic” sound, there is definitely no shortage of catch phrases and gimmicky lyrics. The beats are more subtle and bass-y, yet infused with that electro stuff everyone’s into now. Taunting with in-your-face lyrics and imagery, BEP make it clear that they have an agenda for crunken debauchery. They pound it into our heads that they’re here and coming at us with a party vengeance.

While the party theme has potential of getting tired, there are plenty of contrasting tracks to divvy it up. Ring-A-Ling features a nonchalant booty call via text and Now Generation is all about modern technology taking over the youth. For the romantics, check out Meet Me Halfway, Alive, and Missing You. There’s a tune for everyone’s taste.

Mixing the familiarity of reggae and hip-hop with electronic sounds and synths makes for a unique and new endeavour for The Black Eyed Peas. Trading in signature BEP style, we get a taste of mainstream electro techniques. Rap-tastic Imma Be keeps it early 2000′s, but not forgetting that hint of synths they’ve developed a penchant for.

Every single track has chart-topping single potential, nothing new for The Peas. Previous album Monkey Business kicked out 4 out of 4 hits, while Fergie’s solo disc The Dutchess gave us 5 solid.

Most tracks are over four minutes in length; a hefty amount of tunes, giving DJs the creative room to mix and add their magic touch. The likes of Kid Cudi and LMFAO have hopped on board, remixing first single Boom Boom Pow. Second radio single I Gotta Feeling was produced by David Guetta and gives people everywhere a new anthem for pre-drinking.

Having a developed a generally younger demographic via Elephunk and Monkey Business, the subject matter might fluster a few. Needless to say, The E.N.D. will appeal to a whole new flock of club crawlers.

The E.N.D. Deluxe Edition features 10 bonus tracks, including Simple Little Melody (produced by Boys Noize) and 6 remixes of existing tracks off previous albums.

Whether you’re hanging out in the clubbing district or doing keg stands at a stranger’s sketchy house party, The Black Eyed Peas will turn it into rager like no other, and they’re not apologizing for it.

The E.N.D. is undeniably a frenzy of feisty-ness that’ll tie you over until the after hours bar. Get ready to rumble and stumble home after a hard night’s play.

The Peas can party all the time and I will definitely be there to crash it. The end.

Words by Melania Fedyna

Its hard to believe that Dandi Maestre once described herself as a minimalist. Much like a dandelion, this Colombian born jewelry designer is as spunky and bold as they come with a side of the good old je ne sais quoi. This designer is best known for her show stopping pieces which are composed of natural materials such as deer antlers (don’t worry folks, the antler is shed after each mating season), raw hide and bone – to name a few. Her pieces take a new spin on jewelry design and she succeeds in pushing the limits and thinking outside of that Easter egg blue jewelry box.

I was lucky enough to spend the morning lounging in Dandi’s incredible Annex studio which I could best describe as a pack rat’s wet dream. Chunks of amber, bone and horn are piled high on tables and hutches while antlers and hide hang lifelessly from the walls. Bangles and boggles and bone, oh my! During the interview staying focused was a feat in itself as I found myself picking up odds and ends, stacking stone encrusted rings on each of my fingers and adorning my arms in coconut hollowed and woven bangles.

Six years ago Dandi and her family relocated from their native hometown Baranquilla, Colombia to Toronto. Although she had been working in graphic design and advertising for over fifteen years, the thought of starting all over again in a new city seemed too daunting. Although she was unsure what direction she wanted to head in, Dandi knew she wanted to use her experience in design and photography to create something of her own. She came to the conclusion that she would start experimenting with jewelry design. After creating some sample pieces, she applied and was accepted into the One of a Kind Show. Thanks to the show which Dandi describes as a “whirlwind”, she garnered tons of exposure and caught the eye of a particular mover and shaker at the upscale Holt Renfrew. A week later the Dandi Maestre line was snatched up by Holts and she has been selling with the department store ever since. In the interview Dandi says, “It was crazy. I never expected anything like that! It just kind of fell into place”.

Once she started selling at Holts and through US showrooms, Dandi was eager to dive into a new challenge. She was interested in collaborating with designers and had read about the design duo Greta Constantine. She sent an email with some photos of her pieces to the designers and asked if they would be interested in collaborating on a project together. Not more than a few hours later, Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong were standing in the flesh in her studio discussing what samples they wanted to use for their Toronto Fashion Week F/W08 collection. For the next two seasons, Dandi worked with Greta Constantine and last season she was asked by Lucian Matis to help him with his FW10 show. She is currently working on her SS11 collection.

While some people’s egos would blow up after success like this, Dandi remains her humble and sweet self. She mentioned to me many times that none of this was ever planned and its turned out for the better that way. She describes her experiences in jewelry design as a “journey of discovery”. The fact that she doesn’t follow trends and started this business not for money but for personal satisfaction shows that her business really is a labour of love. After meeting many jaded people working in the industry, I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to get to know someone as talented and lovely as Dandi Maestre. And although her jewelry might dip too deep into your budget, I I highly recommend taking a stroll into the Bloor Holt Renfrew and checking out her awe inspiring collection. I guarantee her collection will transport you into a  fashion relm where urban meets jungle!

Nobody told me I was attending a hardcore show. Or the impending brilliance of Peaches, live!

I was definitely expecting the unexpected, and the expectantly unexpected is what went down Wednesday night. Peaches was back in Toronto in all her hometown glory. Playing to a packed Phoenix Concert Theatre, the crowd was diverse, eccentric, and ready & willing.

Peaches can’t help but engage you. Appropriately, Show Stopper was song number one, with Peaches creeping out of the shadows in a giant pink bubble-like contraption and sparkly mask, resembling one of those exotic, man-trap flowers.

Stripping the pink wonder, a variety of wardrobe changes were had throughout, including a bathrobe (complete with towel-on-head), multiple body suits, and some gold chains. A highlight, literally, was a flashing light attached to her crotch area. This little gem was revealed when she stood atop the drum set.

A few songs in, Peaches willingly threw herself into an already out of control audience, crowd surfing her way around the pack, becoming a victim of grope at every degree. Next, she was gracing a balcony high above the stage, treating us to an opera-worthy spectacle.

Peaches’ over the top theatrics are what make her stand out as an artist and performer, and why her show ranks tops in my books. I was an aptly titled “Peaches virgin”, but she did me with just the right amount of finesse and colourful energy. Peaches is an infectious confection that will leave you craving more.

The new album in its entirety was brought to life, along with a multitude of songs off previous records; Boys Wanna Be Her, Shake Yer Dix, Fuck the Pain Away, anyone? During Talk To Me, two bleach blonde Cousin It-like, lingerie-clad girls came on stage, straight out of the song’s video. My favourite performance was of I Feel Cream. Peaches’ vocals really shine on this track and she blew me away.

Standing to the right of the stage proved to be a bad choice, because I was subjected to a few rumbles. Caught in the crossfire, the punch to my side endured was completely worth it and I felt pretty bad ass. No blood shed there, but Peaches took care of that by spitting up fake blood during a song. So awesome!

There were 3 encores; people ended up leaving after the second, thinking the show was done for good. Not so. With one final hurrah, Peaches glided onto stage in what can only be described as a red and black bull-fighting, flapper dress. A solid performance later, the show ended with bows and thank yous to an undeniably seduced crowd.

Acting as a back-up band for Peaches is Berlin band Sweet Machine, who compliment her persona quite perfectly.

Opening this tour is Drums of Death, a guy from London town that DJs and MCs. My dark side was really into his white face paint and crazy bass. His act was what I imagine an underground European gothic rave in the 90s would’ve look like. There were dudes in black baggy pants with chains, glow sticking. Minus the glow sticks. Drums of Death also had a hand in producing one of Peaches’ tracks, I Feel Cream. Ten cool points for that great tune.

Final verdict: Peaches is a whole bunch of cool wrapped into a few layers of body suits and one majestic gold cape. No smoke and mirrors here, just fog machines and lasers to pierce through your soul.

Peaches, who? If for some reason you’re clueless, click here for a mini-documentary of what you’ve been missing.

Big shout out and thanks to SheDoesTheCity.com Contests for hooking me up with tickets!

Words and Photos by Melania Fedyna

By: Kim Cuachon

Photos: John White, Toronto Sun

Last minute appearance made at the Hyatt Regency Toronto, en route to his Oshawa show, on his Freedom Tour. Gosh, what is his name again? You know the one who sang “Then possibly bend you over/Look back and watch me/Smack that, all on the floor/ Smack that, give me some more/ Smack that, til you get sore/ Smack that, ohh, ohh”, that’s him, Akon.

The press conference according to Matteo Sestito of Sestito Entertainment Group, says, “This was a last minute thing that was thrown together…we hope that tonight’s concert goes well.” Not a huge turn-out as a result but some kudos to be made for Hollywood North as this shindig brought Mena Suvari (American Beauty and American Pie) and Akon together in the same room for five minutes. I know, odd pairing, kind of like a glass of Cab and cake. The inside scoop on that is that she is the fiancé of Akon’s concert promoter, Simone Sestito.

Mena Suvari with fiance Simone Sestito

Waiting and waiting, 45 minutes later enter Suvari, dressed in a black one piece tube top with pant outfit accented with gold belt and necklace. She looked like a fish out of water as she sipped on VOSS water, when offered a scallop hors d’oeuvre, she responded, “Not into shellfish.” I believe she really meant to say, “Not into food.” What is it with some girls?  Food good, yes, eat!

Akon

Akon decides to grace us with his presence, 5 minutes before he was scheduled to leave; ironically, he is on time with his departure, but not on time with his appearance. Here’s where Mr. Fabulous’ true colours come out – this appearance was based on a ridiculous discount that he received for forty guestrooms at $85.00 per night! (Source to remain unnamed) And all he could give was two minutes of his time.

It brings to perspective Colton when he said, “Riches may enable us to confer favours, but to confer them with propriety and grace requires a something that riches cannot give.” New money is what I call it, when all of a sudden you forget where you came from, and here you are rolling with people who only like you because of your latest “Ass smacking”, but this time, you have given it an alternative verb for your next hit.

Our boy Egyptrixx is on a Eurotour till June 5th and we asked him to tour diary for us.

Here’s the thing about him, he’s not just a shit hot DJ, he’s also a learned man who can write a line or two

So enjoy the shit out of this tour diary, cause lord knows we will. Check his Myspace to see the rest of them dates too.

BERLIN:

When you’re on tour its all about the simple pleasures and small victories. About 8 hours ago, I was still at the Ostbahnhof train station in Berlin where I found a pharmacy with one last set of nailclippers – I’d been looking for a pair for 4 days because long nails drive me absolutely fucking crazy. So I bought them and went to trim in the bathroom – where apparently there was more than just defecation and cuticle hygiene on tap as a fairly sporting episode of gay fucking had broken out in the stall right next to me. Moan, moan, moan, bang, bang, bang, clip, clip. No big deal though, the satisfaction of freshly clipped nails heavily out weighed the vulgarity of slurping noises and Deutsche dirty talk.

So far the tour has been going well. I left for London almost immediately after the Buraka Som Sistema gig at El month (In Toronto) last week, which – if you missed – was amazing; I was excited to open for them -I flew to London almost immediately after the show where the Z-Shed crew picked me up and started stuffing my face with greasy English breakfast and beer. The show that night was fun; it was good to do a gig with Mikix The Cat and Baobinga, both excellent producers and djs. After a quick nap I headed to Berlin – one of my favourtie European cities for its its history, love of the avant garde and permanent state of semi-lawlessness. In fact, when I got to my hotel, city workers were still cleaning up a bunch of totalled cars out front which had been destroyed in the may day riots just a few hours earlier. My gig in Berlin was a showcase for the new Nightshifters label out of NYC. Ill be doing some stuff for them in the next little while. AC Slater, Bok Bok, Jess Jubilee, Donna Summer and I were all on the bill and Peaches, Kid 606 and Dolby Anol all stopped by to hang out. The gig got predictably out of control and afterwards we all went to Panorama Bar - the legendary warehouse club in Berlin’s East side – and partied untill noon. Next stop is Poland then back to the UK. I will check back with you laterrrrr

Three years after the release of Impeach My Bush, Peaches is hitting us with her fourth full-length album, notably titled I Feel Cream.

You will hear another side of Peaches, one not solely lead by erotically-charged lyrics, but equally covered in gold and glitter.

Get ready to be instantly seduced by infectious electro, setting up a passionate love affair between the speakers and your soul. I Feel Cream is heavy on dirty synths, hard-hitting, heart-palpating bass, sexy noise, and undeniably killer vocals.

Some definite highlights include ‘Talk To Me’, ‘I Feel Cream’, and my personal pleasure, ‘Show Stopper’. Each track blends into the next smoothly, making it the ultimate party album. A 12-track eargasm.

No doubts of spectacularity here, with production credits going to Simian Mobile Disco, Soulwax, Digitalism, Shapemod, and Drums of Death (who will be touring with Peaches across North America and Europe).

Every DJ will be basting these tracks, guaranteed.

I Feel Cream will be released in Canada and the U.S. May 5th, and be sure to catch Peaches sprinkle sparkles all over Toronto May 20th at The Phoenix.

We’re giving away advanced copies of I Feel Cream to the first 5 party people who ask for it, this Wednesday eve at Czehoski! Come early to dig your nails into this goodness, and stick around for Art’d with works by Hugh Scott-Douglas and a special Peaches listening party!

Let’s whip this party into shape!

Words by Melania Fedyna

This week, my always accurate Facebook horoscope informed me that I would reacquaint myself with an old hobby and realize how much I missed it. Whether that “old hobby” was attending concerts or listening to a Lily Allen album, either way, it turned out to be true.

Wednesday night marked Lily Allen’s 2-year return to Toronto, down to the month. And may I say, it was a triumphant one. Toronto town was her final stop on the month-long tour in support of her sophomore album It’s Not Me, It’s You.

I first saw Lily perform in April 2007 to a relatively more subdued crowd at The Phoenix, but that intimate show paled in comparison to what I witnessed this year at the monstrous Sound Academy. Playing to a sold-out crowd approximately 10 million times the size of The Phoenix, everyone was much livelier and more eager to to be in attendance.

The show started right on schedule, as a trim, short-haired Lily bopped out in an oversized hoodie and high tops, with a tight black dress underneath that required the use of Spanx.

Lily played an hour and 15 minute set, singing every song off the new album, including a few from her first Alright, Still (Everything’s Wonderful, LDN, Littlest Things, Smile), and Oh My God, her collaboration with pal Mark Ronson. It was like being at a sing-alone, with everyone enthusiastically karaoke-ing “fuck you very much” along with Lily, as per requested.

I felt really good after this performance. Nothing cleanses your soul like yelling “fuck you” at the top of your lungs with no repercussions.

From my immediate surroundings, I determined the all ages crowd to be older than I had originally expected. I thought I’d be the lonely loner standing in a corner by myself amidst a sea of 8-12 year olds, but situated by the bar, there were only 20-somethings. I overheard a girl beside me say Lily’s track “22” was about her, in regards to a song about society’s view of a girl’s life being over by age 30. So to sum it up, I felt young.

I went to the show expecting a nice, mellow performance, but what I got was a high-energy, electro-infused spectacle, which included the melody of Kid Cudi’s Day ‘N’ Nite meshing into a cover of Britney Spears’ single Womanizer. It was the last song of the night, and by this point I was sold. This was just icing on the cake.

If you weren’t a fan of Lily’s before, you certainly walked out in awe of her stage presence and energy, if not the skill of drinking 3+ beers and smoking cigarettes during a set. Hey, some artists get wasted before the show, why not have fun on stage?

You can’t help but smile while watching her perform, be it because of her quirky lyrics or bubbly personality and random banter. The show started off on a slower note, but kicked up middle to end, and I was definitely not bored.

Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head opened up the show. I only saw them play about 2 ½ songs, but they seemed like a really cool, live band. Lily brought them out on stage at the end of the show and proceeded to playfully punch them. Evidence below.

(‘Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head’, and a multitude of others.)

Some people were apparently influenced by this, because a fight broke out in the parking lot, post-show. I witnessed one perpetrator getting slammed to the ground by two security guards as I passed by. Who brawls at a Lily Allen concert? Good job, guys.

Since this was Lily’s final show, appropriately, a celebration was held backstage. Later that night, Lily hit up her Twitter to inform us of an ice-cream fight that cost her 2 grand! That’s how it’s done, party people.

Lily Allen is an avid Twitter-er (Tweeter?), and has been hiding tickets before each gig, then posting clues on her account as to where they can be found. I was lurking “twatter” from home and came to the conclusion that 2 sets were hidden around the U of T campus. Did anyone participate in the pre-show Twitter ticket scavenger hunt? Dish and details, please!

She also updated with a slam at the always kind Perez Hilton, a big fuck you at him for reporting her incompetence of getting through a tour. Lily Allen said she has not read one bad review of her shows, and this one will not change that.

Rock on, Lilz!

Honorable mentions: All the large ‘n’ in charge folk who insist on standing in front of me at concerts. I got stuck behind a gentleman who was busy showing his buddy a photo on his iPhone of a lingerie-clad women taking a pic of herself. I was apparently also located in a high-traffic area, because I was constantly being moved over to make way for beer-wielding folk and frustrated bathroom goers. Oh, the sacrifices.

Words and Photos by Melania Fedyna

On the Eve of Alternative Fashion Week, the official count down has begun until the stilettos hit the catwalk. Alternative Fashion Week [FAT] is right around the corner, but FAT’s Michelle Reagan says, “It’s still surreal that it’s so close!”

FAT was launched by Vanja Vasic in 2005, and she seems like this fairy godmother to everyone who I have spoken to, so now I wait in bated breath to interview her post FAT (stay tuned). In its inaugural year, it debuted with (are you ready for this?) 12 designers, 10 visual performance artists, 1 band and 2 DJs. The turn-out was 800 people. This year is showcasing 45 designers, 40 visual performance artists, and 14 musical groups. The expected turn-out this year is four thousand.

Reagan is pleased to know that FAT will be touching this many people, but knows that there is still a misconception that the show is tres avant garde, not mainstream enough, thus shooing away potential attendees. “What some do not understand is that alternative doesn’t mean weird. It can be interpreted as an alternative to L’Oreal Fashion Week or even an alternative to what’s happening in the magazines and what’s really happening in Toronto.  We have really maintained a balance between the really super crazy things and the more, ready to wear collections.”

According to Reagan, this is the first time that FAT is happening over four days, “The response from participants has gone up.” Due to the eclectic mix, the four days have been broken up into four different themes; Home, Planet, Gutter and Beyond. It is without coincidence that Planet falls on Earth Day.

So, far Reagan says, “Things aren’t too crazy. I’m just keeping things organized, trying to keep up with emails and media requests. But, like all shows, there are always last minute things that will come up. But it’s exciting.”

When asked what is the best thing about FAT? Reagan replies, “I’m really looking forward to feeding off everybody’s creative energy. It’s amazing how so many creative minds, from all different artistic backgrounds come together for this event.”

There’s no financial reward at the end of the night, but certainly a reward that has a priceless sense of fulfillment in the four day celebration of art, coming together as each participant’s craft is being given a stage to express on! Bear in mind that these are the artists of the future, who will be changing fashion for all of us.

By: KIM CUACHON

When I talk to people about my passion for fashion, I always get the look and then follows, “Well, what are you doing here then?” But after my interview with David C. Wigley (trust me, remember this name), talking about his fabulousness, his new cIothing line Worth. and his in on Toronto Alternative Fashion Week, I know I’m in the right place.

As my interview with him was conducted via email, I sent my questions to Wigley after picking up as much info about him as I could Googling. Usually when doing such a thing you hit send and cross your fingers, with hopes that you receive something back that is usable. After reading all of my thoroughly answered questions, I felt as though I had been in the mind of a present day, young Karl Lagerfeld. The evolution that Wigley continues, so full of passion and perseverance; leads this triple threat – designer, stylist, make-up artist, to a career path destined for greatness.

PM: You say your style is “high fashion”, you hear that term thrown around a lot, elaborate.

DW: “It’s true, you do hear ‘high fashion’ all the time, and most of the time it refers to something that was thrown together using cheap fabrics and totally unwearable. To me, it’s more about luxury and fine finishing. I don’t think that it has anything to do with labels however, but more the craftsman ship behind the piece. My pieces are more about something timeless and classic; however it’s something that you’ve never seen before…I really think that clothing is a feast for the eyes. I love garments that catch my eye, and give me what I call a visual orgasm! A running joke among my friends is that Vogue is my porn, I get off over a beautiful gown more than I ever would over a beautiful man.”

PM: What moment was the “Aha!”? When you said, “This is it! This is what I want.”?

DW: “I don’t know if I’ve ever had the ‘Aha’ yet…I’m just like any designer…struggling and doing what I can. Every collection or piece that I create has its own ‘Aha’ moment, it’s amazing! When the sketch comes together, and it just clicks…It’s like falling in love over again…I could say more, but it may get pornographic.”

PM: What does it feel like to be named “Most Promising Canadian Designer” at the Canadian Fashion Design Awards three years in a row?

DW: “Hmm… that’s a tough one… the first year was exciting… the years after, not so much… It’s really just a title, but nothing more than words. In fashion you are only as good as your last collection. It’s flattering.”

PM: With that said, you have won and placed in many other competitions. When you prepare for such an event, what is your game plan?

DW:     “I create many looks, sometimes upwards to 50 little line drawings – just thumbnails, quick little sketches of things that catch my eye. From there I’ll go over those thumbnails for sometimes up to a week. Whatever still jumps out at me will usually move on to the next stage where I do a few more sketches and start to finalize the silhouette. Then I’ll do the final sketch; VERY rarely does the final garment not look like the final sketch. Seeing as how I come from an illustration background, my illustrations are a final look of the garment right down to stitching lines. When it comes to show time I don’t really think of it as ‘winning’, I just want to show what I can do.”

PM: What can we expect to see on the runway from you at FAT this year?

DW: “This collection is my debut collection. I’ve created a lot of garments, but never a full collection. So with creating a collection, I also created a company to go with it. Worth. (Wigley’s clothing line) is really about what knowing what you are wearing, and knowing what its worth. The collection is timeless classic pieces with a fashion forward edge, made with sustainable luxurious fabrics and finishes. One of my hugest pet peeves is one people pick up a piece of well made clothing, see the price tag and say ‘What the fuck! This is SO not worth ‘x’ amount of dollars’. My client is someone who understands and knows what their clothing is worth. Not necessarily that it’s expensive, but wants to wear a garment made of sustainable fabrics in a sweat shop free environment. And not only that, but they know what they are worth. Each garment is screen printed with a mantra, this season’s is ‘I am worth loving.’ Every season the garments will co-ordinate and work with previous and future Worth. garments. The mantras will almost work as a time stamp to show which season the garment is from, as each mantra is exclusive to that season.
On top of that you can expect an exciting and entertaining show! Coming from a theater background, and working as a visual stylist, I’m all about the big bang and first impression! I can’t say anything more.”

PM: What are your thoughts on FAT?

DW: “I’m SO excited to be a part of FAT. I feel that they have a great set of core beliefs, and what they stand for is just amazing. The whole idea of FAT is phenomenal! It takes all your pre-conceived notions of fashion, and throws them out the window. I feel like it is a socially responsible event, promoting green living and a healthy outlook on life. The models are more like real people, who essentially will be wearing the clothing, and create an image that’s attainable. At the end of the day I believe that designers have a social responsibility, and FAR too many promote unhealthy lifestyle choices. In fact, I read in Vogue the other day about a designer (won’t name names) who actually tailors his collection to fit a ‘modified’ body shape, essentially fake breasts. It’s disgusting and unnatural to me, to create a clothing line catered to people who can’t embrace what they were born with, and feel the need to surgically alter themselves to be beautiful. I feel that people look outward for beauty, when they really should be looking in, because really, we are all worth loving.”

Very seldom, do we come across a designer who is socially conscious and is stoic in believing that beauty must be organic. On many occasions such responsibilities are compromised to achieve haute-couture. Perhaps, this “Recycled Hollywood story…small town kid, moves to the big city, wide-eyed over fashion,” has it right. Sometimes you ought to be removed from the situation in order to see where you want to take it. Perhaps all of us living in urbania, take it for granted –all the little details. But through Wigley it all comes together. He may have been know as an “Über-geek” while growing up, but he could soon be known as an über-designer, encompassing the perfect ideology of the future of design, making a utopia of the art itself.

The city sets the stage for Toronto Alternative Arts & Fashion Week [FAT] Tuesday, April 21^st to Friday, April 24^th. The Distillery District will be feeling the pulse of Toronto’s avant-garde artists in a collaboration of music, video, photography, performances and fashion.

In its third year and running strong, Vanja Vasick, Founder and Director will be doing it all over again; the runway, the stage, the lights and the people. FAT will be showcasing more than 200 artists from all over the country and abroad, thus setting the runway for established and up and comings to show case and collaborate their talents.

FAT is sure to deliver an eclectic array; from the petit chics to the avant-gardes, are sure to make an appearance. So, wherever you fall in that spectrum, drop by, it will deliver something to talk about.