ABOUT

LIGNES DE FUITE is a space for emerging designers to build real practices — through mentorship, visibility, events, and retail. But none of it works without the people who show up.

It began in 2014 with a commissioned runway show called Génération Z, directed by Milan Tanedjikov for Festival Mode & Design. Milan collaborated with two recent grads, Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran — now globally known as Fecal Matter. That moment revealed the power of mentorship, belief, and pushing radical fashion ideas into public space.
The name comes from the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and means “lines of flight” — creative detours, escape routes, and the act of becoming something else. In our world, it’s the moment a designer begins to develop their own logic — stepping away from templates to invent new structures, new aesthetics, and new systems of value.
From 2014 to 2017, LDF evolved organically through creative collaborations with emerging talents like Jessy Colucci, Marie-Ève Lecavalier, and Alice Vaillant. We focused on experimentation, community, and celebrating difference. The name and vision crystallized during a show called LINES OF FLIGHT, based on styling for individuality instead of uniformity — a value that remains central to our approach.
In 2017, we launched our Instagram account. By 2018, we published the first issue of our editorial magazine in collaboration with PHI Centre and creative director George Fok (now a founding partner). These early moves turned our experimental gatherings into a more structured, public-facing initiative.
Never Conform — two hybrid rave-fashion events co-produced with Fecal Matter

Dressed to Succeed and Ha-Happening — iconic underground shows blending fashion, art, and performance

The ON SHOW runway series and SUPPLY retail pop-ups — introducing new designers to real audiences

1664 ICONIC ACCESSORIES SHOWCASE in Toronto — national-scale visibility for our mentees

Each of these projects expanded the scale of what we could do — and what independent designers could access.
In 2024, after years of building momentum, we formalized our structure. We opened our first physical studio at Atelier 257, launched the one-year Mentoring Program, rolled out advanced courses, and developed SUPPLY — a hybrid retail model that connects design to commerce without diluting the creative.

We’re now entering a new phase, expanding into a space adjacent to Atelier Textile — creating Canada’s only interdisciplinary hub that brings textile art, fashion design, production, and retail under one roof.
Our long-term goal is to create lasting bridges between designers and the public — not just through runway shows and exhibitions, but through product and practice. We’re building a new kind of retail network, one that supports creators at every level, from idea to garment to sale.

This means growing a living ecosystem: more residencies, better production infrastructure, a full-service SUPPLY store, and continued mentorship. We want to represent hundreds of independent designers — without compromising ethics, quality, or artistic freedom.
Informally and more recenly in a more structured way, we’ve helped dozens of designers define their voice, grow their structure, and start real careers — often against the odds. Many have gone on to become designers, stylists, art directors, educators, and entrepreneurs. Our alumni include:

Fecal Matter (Hannah Rose Dalton + Steven Raj Bhaskaran)

Emeric Tchatchoua ( 3.PARADIS)

Marie-Ève Lecavalier ( LECAVALIER)

Alexandre Arsenault co-founder of KNWLS London

Alice Vaillant ( Vaillant Studio )

Racine, Rachel Sudbury, Atelier Denora, Charlotte Deneux, and Kevin Quang Thái Nguyễn and many more

In 2024, LDF was nominated for the Fashion Impact Award by the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA).

But more than awards, our real impact is this: a living network of people who continue to support, hire, mentor, and grow together.
That fashion is not just about trends — it’s about structures, culture, and identity.
That real design requires both freedom and rigor.
That diversity, multiplicity, and experimentation are not optional — they are the future.
That access to infrastructure, community, and retail can change lives.
That bold ideas deserve visibility — and sustainable systems behind them.