Welcome to FACES OF FAT, a captivating series that takes you behind the scenes of Fashion Art Toronto. Dive into the compelling narratives and creative journeys of diverse designers, as we uncover the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs that shape their unique visions. From innovators to emerging talents, each episode unveils the fascinating stories behind the runway. Join us as we celebrate the diverse voices and untold stories of the fashion world.
Meet Jess Panetta
Creative Makeup Direct, Fashion Art Toronto
Social Media: @jesspanetta_hmu
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a 2x Emmy nominated Makeup & Hair Artist with over 15 years experience in Fashion, Film and Television. I am proud to have a diverse body of work that includes a unique celebrity talent list, and a portfolio that has been featured at events like New York Fashion Week, TIFF, SXSW, and Cannes. I am the Creative Director of Makeup for FAT where I lead a personal team of four Key Artists, over 60 volunteers, and broker the creative relationships between designers and our department to tell a unique visual story on the runway.
What inspires you?
I was born to love, and I love people. I grew up people watching: in my hometown as a bored teenager during summer jobs, when I moved to bigger cities as an adult, on public transit, vacation, out for dinner- ANYWHERE! I love authenticity and self expression. I find when people show up in the world as their truest selves its most inspiring- and that doesn’t necessarily mean they are following trends or what others are doing, they are just ‘doing’ themselves. I think that also includes being able to shapeshift and change and play from day to day.
Tell us the story behind your brand.
I knew I wanted to be close to life’s GRAND stage after seeing my first real theatre production my parents took me to as a 6 year old kid. I dressed up for the event, got a backstage tour and was struck by its magic. I pursued the arts in highschool on stage and further in university, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Film with my thesis focused on Directing. When I graduated, I knew I wanted to be a storyteller, but wasn’t sure how. Through experimenting in my own projects and wearing many hats (including that of the make-up artist), I realized I could create characters and share their stories through a new medium. I continued my education with a Diploma in Makeup Artistry here in Toronto at CMU, and the rest, as they say is her-story.
Photo provided by Jess Panetta. Photo credit: @zachbury
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in your field?
Leave your ego at the door- that is to say, be humble. Know that you not only DON’T know it all, but you’re never going to know it ALL, so always be open to learning, from both those that came before you and those who will come after you. There’s lots of room for all of us at the top, so be kind. Don’t be scared to make mistakes- you might learn something along the way, and oftentimes that’s where the magic happens. And say yes to as much as you can (and don’t forget to take pictures).
What do you love most about FAT?
I love the opportunity to challenge ourselves in our art, and level up to meet others where they’re at. It’s so expressive! Being backstage is truly a wonder: designers and artists are pushing boundaries to create fantasy characters and worlds, models are transforming from these already incredibly unique individuals to something other-worldly, challenges are being met and resolved in creative ways, and everyone is doing it with love and gratitude in their hearts. It’s a playground where expression is key, trust is essential and collaboration is a must. We all want the same thing- to put out the best performance on the runway, and it takes every department to do so.
Photo provided by Jess Panetta
What does 2026 hold for you?Â
I’m excited to surround myself with returning and new artists alike at FAT this SS26 season. I’ve encouraged everyone to really push themselves to dream big with what “runway makeup” could look like and I’m looking forward to seeing what that means to them. I have some goals set for a dream television project coming to Toronto in August (*fingers double crossed!*). I’m also a licensed hairstylist and I’ve really loved nurturing my incredible clientele- I hope to continue to find cool and kind folks in my chair. Happy to keep creating and growing!
