MONDO is ecstatic to be covering Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week [FAT], one of Toronto’s most exciting fashion events. The [Pre-FAT] series features short and sweet interviews with some of this year’s participants. Stay tuned for coverage throughout the week, and click here for current and previous MONDO [FAT] articles.
By Helen Fylactou
Christabel Couture is one of the most dramatic and intriguing artists in Toronto. Creating risky clothing lines, starring in hilarious videos and leading an extraordinary daily life, Christabel’s creations are one-of-kind and are, without a doubt, on the way to be a ‘household name’ in couture.
How to explain Christabel’s style? Take the alien aspect of The Fifth Element, add a hint of Alexander McQueen (with emphasis on the Queen), and maybe drop some acid. The light-hearted and multi-disciplined artist is one of the featured photography and video artists at this year’s Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week. My interview with Christabel had me laughing out loud, and here’s how it went.
MONDO: What is like to be part of an event like Toronto Alternative Arts and Fashion Week?
Christabel Couture: [FAT] is a ton of fun. Inevitably you see a lot of familiar faces and it’s great to catch up in person. It’s really inspiring to work with so many talented people and to see such an array of work at the event. Vanja [the event's organizer] does such a great job putting the event together and making sure it runs as smoothly as possible.
Are you ever worried that your work may offend people, or do you believe that art should never better censored?
I’m never worried that my work offends people at all. I am aware of how my work makes some people feel uncomfortable. I do try to obscure or blur gender, sexuality and even the human form but that’s just me working through my own issues. It’s like I’m turning myself inside out and if someone is offended by that, I can’t help it. Of course I don’t think art show be censored, humanities growth would be seriously stunted as a result.
What are the typical reactions to your performance pieces from Torontonians? Do people get your sense of humour?
Most people get it. Toronto is an open-minded collection of folks; it’s actually pretty hard to stir Torontonians. It’s 2010 and between all the other forms of media out there it’s tough shock people. As for my own brand of humour, there are enough people here who appreciate it to fuel me. I’d still do what I do even if no one appreciated it but it’s so much nicer when people do and I am always grateful for support.
If Elvira Thunderpussy was to attend [FAT] this year, what could we expect from her?
She would be keeping a watchful eye out for Electra Raygun. She’s alert and those two bitches have some issues between them. If Electra Rayrun didn’t appear and the whole thing didn’t turn into a bloody, drag queen ninja massacre then Elvira would undoubtedly be trying to upstage everyone, she’s a little attention whore (her mother never hugged her).
Where do you see your work going in the future?
I would love to keep doing what I’m doing but actually make some money at it. I’d love to work with people like Björk, Marilyn Manson, Michel Gondry, David LaChapelle, Peaches, et cetera. My dream would be making costumes for music videos. So I’m still waiting for my “break.” In the meantime, I’m always cooking up new ideas and working on a project. I contributed to a film last year called Butterflies of Trip City by a talented filmmaker named Nika Belianina. It’s being edited now and should be released on the festival circuit next year. I’m a project slut, if ANYONE has an idea, then let me know. I’m always up for putting on a costume if you’re going to point a camera at me.
