Welcome to ‘Faces of FAT’, a captivating series that takes you behind the scenes of Fashion Art Toronto 2024. 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, one designer at a time.
Meet Refaya Turshin, the face behind RT Atelier Co
Website: www.refayaturshin.com
Instagram/Social Handles: @rtatelierco
Image Sourced from RT Atelier Co & Hanmin Yun
What inspires you?
I am inspired by my community on this planet which truly supports me in this journey. I have always felt I am able to paint and heal my footprints through colour and comfort in my art and concepts. I am an anthophile and melophile; I cannot go a day without taking pictures of flowers or listening to music. I enjoy supporting other artists and believe as I progress in my journey it is important to hold that support for the community and future creative minds.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Refaya Turshin, a Toronto-based multimedia artist, photographer, and eco-designer. I work with organic waste and upcycled umbrellas, focusing on conceptually theorized contemporary designs and art. My brand, RT Atelier Co, emphasizes fashion, photography, sustainability, and design.
Tell us the story behind your brand/art.
Image Sourced from RT Atelier Co & Hanmin Yun
As soon as the COVID mask-law paused, interrupting my Upcycled Umbrella Storyteller journey, I took a leap in 2022 to bring my vision to life and encourage people universally to take stronger initiatives around organic waste and environmental issues. I treated the project as performance art, done vividly in the moment, filming it to allow my team to experience the joy of natural waste dyes with no chemicals or toxins. It’s a reminder of the patience required to love and care for the planet, especially in creating a fully organic fabric. I invited my team to dive into my pool of colours, working alongside me as artists. I hope their children, one day, can say, “What you do matters,” reminding them to never give up on their passions. My work also involves the Muslin Revival project of Bangladesh’s heritage, where I believe my approach will bring a conceptual revival for the fabric. Handwoven muslin carries stories of plants, roots, people, and generations. What I create isn’t just a beautiful garment but a statement. I love comfort—even in couture wear, it’s essential that garments feel like shelter. My 11 years of work in this field have allowed me to express my passion for being rooted on this planet. Just as we all have mothers, Earth is our collective Mother with billions of children. Art is too important not to share.
RT Atelier Co has showcased work at RAW Artists Canada, Fashion Art Toronto, The Vegan Fashion Show, Startup Fashion Week, Destination Toronto – Soho House Chicago, and internationally at BGMEA University (BUFT).
What is one piece of advice you would give someone starting out in your field?
Surround yourself with those who lift you higher and speak your name in rooms full of opportunity. Stay hydrated, always.
What do you love most about FAT?
Image Sourced from RT Atelier Co & Hanmin Yun
I am attending Fashion Art Toronto for the third time this season and have supported designers in the media pit and backstage before COVID-19. Vanja Vasic is a pivotal figure in Canadian fashion, transforming talents and creatives by combining fashion, art, design, and performance art. My showcases in Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2023 allowed me to connect with incredible people and express my work using organic waste, GOTS-certified cotton, and handwoven organic Dhakai muslin. FAT is more than just a showcase—it’s a community experience.
What does 2025 hold for you?
In 2025, I plan to work on an organic muslin collection for New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025 and on a documentary film exploring fashion, art, and design.
Interested in seeing our past Faces of FAT? Click Here!
