Toronto’s longest running annual multi-arts fashion event Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) will return with a four-day in-person event at The Parkdale Hall (1605 Queen St. West). Taking place from Thursday, November 10 through Sunday, November 13. The 2022 event will host runway shows from 30 Canadian designers and feature fashion-inspired art installations. Our Faces of FAT series will take a deeper look at the faces behind FAT and their stories. Keep on reading to learn more about Liam Colbourne, a face of FAT working on the production side of the event.
Check out FAT’s Instagram for updates on the fashion festival.
Producer/Director: Liam Colbourne
Website: www.fashionarttoronto.ca
Instagram: @liammicha
Source: Jenn Jevons – Media Days 2022
SC: Tell us a bit about yourself.
LC: I am Liam Colbourne, and I’m the Producer/Director of Production at Fashion Art Toronto (FAT)
I work with all of the designers, models and our in-house photography and video teams to produce Fashion Art Toronto’s event, including all of the runway shows and running all the chaos backstage. There’s a ton of planning and coordinating in advance, and together I help make each designer’s creative vision come to life on the runway. I also oversee a team of hundreds of volunteers, who we couldn’t make this event happen without.
I started my career in fashion at 22, coming to the city from the small town of Innisfil. It was always my ambition to work as part of the creative community in Toronto.
FAT has been a home away from home for me. When I started in 2012 I was supporting the social media team. In my youth I thought wearing 8-inch heels for 10 hours would “totally be fine” and one of the earliest photos I have from working at FAT is me, sitting on the stage floor in said 8-inch heels, because I couldn’t walk another step. I did however decide to move to a more sensible 6-inch for the years following. Working with FAT was really the first time in my life I was able to fully be myself. That’s the soul of Fashion Art Toronto, inclusion. FAT is a space for people to not only be themselves, but to find themselves.
We truly have a best in class team supporting the FAT community. None of this would be possible without them.
Source: Torij Harding – Back Stage 2022
SC: What inspires you?
LC: I am genuinely inspired by the human experience told through the creative.
SC: What’s one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in your field?
LC: I give this advice to anyone looking to start in fashion or production, do it because you love it and do whatever it takes to reach your goals. Being uncomfortable is the key to growth – and every job, industry, community requires you to grow in it. Be vulnerable with those who deserve it and don’t beat yourself up if you have to find out what that means.
SC: What do you love most about FAT?
LC: FAT has one of the most inclusive cultures and communities – it’s such a welcoming space for people to be and express themselves through art and fashion.
Source: asianwithcamera – Daniels Spectrum 2019 (Liam & Vanja)
SC: What does 2023 hold for you?
LC: 2023 is going to be a year of growth. As I look towards the new year I am very hopeful about all the possibilities. And of course, I can’t wait to work on FAT 2023 events!
