WAITING ROOM

Toronto designer Liam Horbay brought a dark and emotionally charged vision to the Fashion Art Toronto runway with his collection WAITING ROOM, one of the more thought provoking presentations of the show. While many emerging designers build their brands through extensive storytelling and self promotion, Horbay remains mainly mysterious. Very little personal information is available about the designer, making the work itself the primary source of communication.

According to Fashion Art Toronto, Horbay approaches fashion as "a raw and deeply personal art form.” Rather than using clothing as decoration, Horbay treats fashion as a vehicle for emotional release and self examination. The result is a collection that feels deeply personal while remaining open to interpretation.

That sense of mystery extends to his website. Visitors are greeted by a stark, minimalist interface dominated by dark tones and an almost brutalist aesthetic. The site offers little explanation, allowing the garments to speak for themselves. One detail immediately stands out: a banner reading "Sign Up For 0% Off Your First Purchase." The phrase appears to parody the promotional language that dominates online retail, hinting at a subtle critique of consumer culture and the constant pressure to buy. 

Image by Michael Wang

The collection itself embraced a world that was dark, seductive, and slightly dangerous. Many of the garments featured sharp, angular construction that created a feeling of tension and unease. Jagged lines cut across the body while textured surfaces appeared weathered, burned, or corroded. The clothing evoked the image of an industrial wasteland transformed into something strangely elegant. There was grit throughout the collection, but it was carefully controlled, creating a balance between destruction and beauty.

Image by Michael Wang

Several looks incorporated dramatic high necklines and choker details that reinforced the collection's confrontational mood. Accessories pushed the narrative even further. Large claw-like gloves introduced an almost extraterrestrial element, while vine and symbiote inspired textures appeared to crawl across the garments. The effect was futuristic yet organic, as though the clothing had evolved rather than been constructed.

Image by Michael Wang

Despite the aggressive detailing, the silhouettes remained fitted and sensual. The garments hugged the body, creating a sleek contrast against the rough textures and exaggerated accessories. Dark, smoky makeup amplified the mood, giving the models a sultry and almost cinematic presence on the runway. The world created by Hornbay is undoubtedly glamourous but the styling, including the makeup, hair and accessories gives the dystopian edge. 

Image by Cosplay Jack & Matt Reid

The presentation culminated with a striking gown that served as the collection's final statement. Constructed from a rigid material that appeared charred and hardened, the piece looked as though it had emerged from fire. 

Image by Cosplay Jack & Matt Reid

In a fashion landscape often driven by commercial appeal and instant gratification, Horbay's work stood apart. That willingness to embrace darkness and emotional honesty made it one of the more memorable collections to emerge from the Fashion Art Toronto runway this season.