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 Monika Myers, a face of FAT on the model side of the event.
Check out FAT’s Instagram for updates on the fashion festival.
Model: Monika Myers
Instagram: @monikamyers08
@iambraveandbeautiful
Source: NYFW ART HEARTS RUNWAY SHOW, DESIGNER- WANDA BEAUCHAMP COUTURE, photo credit: Luis Omar
SC: Tell us a bit about yourself.
MM: Hi, I am Monika Myers. I am 14 years old and just started high school in September. Although I have Down syndrome, I don’t allow it to define who I am. Participating in many sports and activities including skiing, biking, dancing, choir, Girl Guides, I am a proud gold medalist in artistic swimming. Recently, I have also started modelling. I was proud to be the first model with Down syndrome to walk in Toronto Kids Fashion Week Runway Show CANADA! Honoured to have been awarded the Youth Day Global Ambassador for Down syndrome, I have been in many runway shows, on the news, in a movie, and have been featured in a magazine. I also just returned from NYC where I walked for Primark USA and Wanda Beauchamp Couture in New York Fashion Week!
SC: What inspires you?
MM: I am inspired by doing what I love and being happy. Looking nice and dressed up makes me feel great. Other models with Down syndrome have inspired me to become a model as well because they did not allow having Down syndrome to limit themselves.
Source: NYFW ART HEARTS RUNWAY SHOW, DESIGNER- WANDA BEAUCHAMP COUTURE, photo credit: Luis Omar
SC: Tell us the story behind your art.
MM: I believe every woman is beautiful. When I was interviewed by City TV before my TKFW runway show, they asked if I was nervous and I said “No, because I am brave and beautiful”. I then started an initiative making wish-let bracelets called “I AM BRAVE AND BEAUTIFUL”. They are to empower other girls to believe in themselves, and to pursue their own dreams. I donate some of the money to charity to help others.
SC: What’s one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in your field?
MM: Do what you enjoy and try new things. Don’t be nervous. Be confident and believe in yourself. You are brave and beautiful.
SC: What do you love most about FAT?
MM: I really enjoy fashion, hair and makeup so seeing the models all made up is really fun for me. Also, I enjoy drawing and designing dresses so seeing designers creations are inspirational. I am really excited about FAT as this is my first time modelling in it. As a model I love to wear the designer’s clothes- they make me feel amazing.
Source: TORONTO KIDS FASHION WEEK- DESIGNER – SUZY Q JEWELS, photo credit: Marino Photography
SC: What does 2023 hold for you?
MM: I am not exactly sure, but I am excited about the future. My plan is to continue modelling of course. I hope to walk again in NYFW next year, and hopefully Paris or Milan someday.
