Exuviae 

Toronto designer Zoë Stone has built a reputation for creating work that exists between fashion, sculpture and performance. At Fashion Art Toronto's SS26 season, the designer cemented that identity with Exuviae, a collection that transformed the runway into a world of fantasy, craftsmanship and material experimentation.

Stone was also recognized during the event with the FASHN DISRPTR award, presented on May 29 at T3 Bayside in Toronto. The recognition reflects the designer's growing influence within Canada's independent fashion scene and their commitment to pushing creative boundaries through unconventional materials and techniques.

According to the brand, Zoë Stone combines manipulated denim streetwear, lace and avant garde design to create garments that are both artistic and wearable. The label is known for its innovative fabric manipulation, particularly smocking techniques that allow structure and fluidity to exist within the same garment. The result is a design language that celebrates individuality while challenging conventional ideas of contemporary fashion.

That vision is fully realized in Exuviae. The collection brings together distressed textiles, sculptural ceramics and layered earth toned compositions to explore themes of transformation, erosion and renewal. Fashion Art Toronto describes the collection as a runway that feels more like a moving installation than a conventional fashion presentation. With oversized wearable clay elements and ceramic jewelry becoming central components of the garments, Stone “pushes the body beyond familiar boundaries, creating silhouettes that feel tactile, alien and entirely their own.” (FAT)

Image by Sina Safari 

On the runway, Exuviae unfolded like the wardrobe of a royal court from another world. Each piece appeared to carry its own story, constructed with remarkable attention to architectural form and structural beauty. The collection felt regal and extraterrestrial, evoking images of what the royalty of distant planets would wear. 

Image by @cosplay |  @prevalentfocus

The craftsmanship became one of the defining strengths of the collection. The intricate boning created dramatic silhouettes that stood away from the body creating height or width seen in  the bubble skirt layers.  

Image by @cosplay |  @prevalentfocus

Image by @cosplay |  @prevalentfocus

The detailed embroidery and beadwork as well as the rooster feather elements added depth to the looks and softened the more rigid structures by introducing movement. High neck pieces framed the face like ceremonial armour or precious jewellery, reinforcing the collection's royal undertones.

Image by @cosplay |  @prevalentfocus

The masks became the focal point of nearly every look. Custom designed to blend seamlessly with each outfit, they transformed the models into mysterious characters rather than conventional runway figures. Appearing creature-like, they obscure the human features and strengthen the collection's otherworldly atmosphere. The grand piece was styled with multiple masks, as if this royal creature had multiple faces lining its chest and hands, adding to the eerie and entrancing theme.

Image by @cosplay |  @prevalentfocus

Together, the ceramics, masks and sculptural garments created a runway experience that was felt immersive and transportive. With Exuviae, Zoë Stone demonstrated why the designer continues to carve out a unique place within Canadian fashion, offering a vision that is imaginative and original.

Image by @cosplay |  @prevalentfocus