Written by Bella Gallo
Ever thought that the runway was chaotic? You should see what happens behind it. Come backstage with me for an exclusive look at the heart of every fashion show.
A couple of weeks ago, I interned as a backstage dresser for Fashion Art Toronto’s (FAT) Spring/Summer 2025 season. Fast-paced doesn’t even begin to cover it. From speed steaming clothes, and tracking down designers and models, to sprinting around to keep everything running smoothly, there wasn’t a minute to spare. My job also involved last-minute sewing on garments, helping models get dressed and ready, and organizing the backstage area so the runway was on time and looked perfect for guests and designers.
This was my second season as a dresser, so I felt more comfortable stepping into the role. What I wasn’t expecting was an entire floor as our backstage, a huge contrast to last season’s much smaller quarter-sized space. This larger area meant a more organized backstage and really showed FAT’s growth over the years. Since it was their 20th anniversary, everything was bigger, with events leading up to fashion week. Once again, I was enthralled by the magic backstage; the chaos is addicting. But more than that, the community I felt as a fashion girlie was indescribable. That being said, I’m going to try to explain it to you…
Yes, fashion has its diva moments, it’s a stressful time, after all, but that’s just one side of it. There’s also the magnetic pull of seeing my dream up close and personal. FAT has cultivated an incredible space where the little girl inside me, the one who never thought she’d even see a fashion show live, felt welcomed. I know that sounds dramatic, but I promise this isn’t sponsored; it’s just how the fashion world makes me feel. Suddenly, my loud eclectic outfits are normal, my sewing skills feel powerful, and my love for local designers and art is encouraged. I was surrounded by people just like me, who understand how important this is.
Some might argue fashion is superficial. But I believe it’s one of the most impactful art forms, a powerful tool that can be used to make a statement. And trust me, statements are always made at FAT. Beyond the environment, I met the loveliest people, like peers studying fashion, models, staff, and designers. I truly feel the lasting connection that forms when people with a shared passion come together. In other words, FAT is one of the few places where I feel seen and taken seriously for what I love.
Every time I’ve been (and yes, it’s only twice so far), I’m drawn into a world I imagined long ago, a world where fashion is power, where fashion matters, and where my
I have to say, this season had so many showstopping runways that I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. All in all, I’m so grateful for FAT and can’t wait to see what they have in store for the years to come. See you next season!
View more from Fashion Art Toronto’s Spring/Summer 2025 show:
STOMP Magazine 
Leave a comment