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. Today, meet Evan Clayton, a fashion designer based in Vancouver, BC.
Meet Evan Clayton
Website: www.evanclayton.ca
Instagram: @evanclayton
FAT Showtime: Thursday, November 13th at 8PM
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a fashion designer based in Vancouver, BC! I’ve been in operation since 2013; I’m known for high energy shows and theatrical fashions. My clientèle runs the gammut from drag artists to pop stars, I love to dress a person who’s not afraid of a little extra glamour!
What inspires you?
I find myself inspired by anything and everything, my trouble is filtering those many inspirations into a vision that is cohesive and on-brand. Past collections have been inspired by Joan of Arc, humpback whale hunting tactics, Final Fantasy, the list goes on and on! At its core I like to think of my collections as a page in my autobiography, and they are always dictated by the place I’m at in life at the time of its collection. PHYLLIS, the collection I’m showing at FAT through the FASHN DISRPTR Program this season, is an ode to family both blood and chosen. It’s inspired by trans elders, my beloved grandmother, and the deep love I have for those closest to me in life. On a more superficial inspirational note, Tim Burton, Batman The Animated Series, Thierry Mugler, and Claude Montana were my main points of reference with this collection.
Photo provided by Evan Clayton
Tell us the story behind your brand.
I graduated from the Blanche Macdonald Center in 2011 from their Fashion Design program and hit the ground running after graduation! Fashion has always been my single greatest passion in life, and I knew that I wanted to make something of myself in the industry I had always loved. My partner is a makeup artist who was working for SMASHBOX Cosmetics at the time, they were sponsoring Vancouver Fashion Week that season and my boyfriend invited me to tag along and help their team backstage. After a whirlwind week of makeup and models, I caught the eye of Jamal Abdourahman, founder of VFW, who after finding out that I was a budding designer sponsored my first four seasons. The rest is history!
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in your field?
Discover your greatest weakness and turn it into your greatest strength. I am extremely delusional about my skillset and my future in fashion, but that delusion is my superpower!
Photo provided by Evan Clayton
What do you love most about FAT?
This is actually my first season showing or attending FAT! I’m very much looking forward to connecting more with the East Coast fashion community!
What does 2026 hold for you?
Hopefully a good nights rest, and for me to continue to wake up every day grateful that I am living my dream.
Fashion Art Toronto returns this fall with its boldest season yet — blending fashion, art, and immersive city experiences from November 10–16. Expect puppies on the runway, surreal underground shows packed with oversized toys and wild props, and cutting-edge Canadian fashion taking over a massive warehouse and the T3 Bayside hub. With the launch of FAT Offsite, hidden corners of Toronto transform into unforgettable fashion moments — from dreamlike suburban sets to sustainable showcases and runway-meets-adoption events. It’s not just fashion week — it’s a full-on creative playground.
