Toronto’s longest running multi-arts fashion week, Fashion Art Toronto (FAT) has curated an incredible line-up for their Spring 2023 fashion week. Taking over 20,000 square feet of the industrial warehouse at Black Creek Assembly, it’s going to be their biggest event yet. The event is from Thursday, April 27 to Sunday, April 30 with runway shows and presentations from 50 designers, style-inspired art installations from Canadian artists, an immersive Fashion Cinema curated by CANIFFF, a Fashion & Beauty Retail Boutique and more. Tickets to Fashion Art Toronto are now available online.
Meet Kim Nguyen
Website: roncypacks.com
Social Handles: @roncypacks
Tell us about yourself
I’m a self-taught seamstress and pattern maker of over 40 years, starting my career in garment factories after immigrating to Canada in my late teens. Eventually I created a home studio where I could work closely with emerging designers in Toronto and raise my three children at the same time.
What is the story behind your brand?
During the summer of 2020, my 3-year-old grandson asked me to make him a fanny pack. I had piles of scraps and leftover dead stock that were perfect for the task.
I ended up making dozens of fanny packs because they were fun and different from my usual work. We sold the extras on social media and just never stopped! What started as a fun hobby has become an incredible journey into sustainable fashion with my daughters, and we’re more committed than ever to keeping things slow, small and close to home.
Photo via Roncy Packs
What inspires you?
Our community! At Roncy Packs, we prioritize the use of textile waste and have received so many donations from local businesses and individuals over the years. These donations come in the form of upholstery remnants, swatches and even old leather coats. Not only does this allow me to get creative, it also means each piece is one-of-a-kind and born out of a collective desire to reduce waste.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in your field?
For anyone looking into upcycling and waste-led design, you may be working with materials that are free or more affordable. However, it’s important not to undervalue the additional time and labour involved in the acquisition, cleaning and dismantling processes as well.
What does 2023 hold for you?
This year we’re taking a deeper look at the end-of-life of our products. To extend the lifespan of our fanny packs, we recently launched processes for repair, recycling and resale of preloved pieces. By reducing textile waste, engaging with local communities, and promoting a circular economy, our small family business is proud to contribute to a more sustainable future.
