The Artist Impact Movement’s inaugural Kingston show fuses art, fashion, and community, turning Stages Nightclub into a night straight out of New York Fashion Week.
Artist Impact Movement (AIM) Kingston electrified Stages Nightclub on Nov. 25 with an unforgettable celebration of creativity and community. Founded in 2023 by Concordia student Maya Berger, and McGill students Gilad Maianski and Abby Shore, AIM is a collaborative initiative designed to uplift student creatives and foster a supportive arts community with all proceeds going to charity.
After attending AIM’s flagship show in Montreal last fall, Kingston Directors Abigail Rossman, ArtSci ’26, and Allie Taylor, ArtSci ’26, were inspired to bring the magic to Queen’s.
Following AIM’s successful second annual Montreal show last week, the Kingston event of the same name showcased runway-ready student designs, a vibrant marketplace featuring student vendors, and an after-party with music spun by DJ MVA.
Both the Kingston and Montreal AIM teams are donating 100 per cent of their proceeds to Rethink Breast Cancer, a Canadian charity dedicated to empowering young people affected by breast cancer.
“It fosters a community for those going through breast cancer treatment and creates a network for their families,” Rossman said in an interview with The Journal. Rethink Breast Cancer aims to tackle gaps in the healthcare system, offering tailored programs for younger generations impacted by the disease.
The show featured designs by MYBE, Krafted by Zayah, Sage Eden Designs, Zoe’s Designs, Friend of a Friend, Taylored Stitches, Street by Safya, and a collaborations between Living Garments and Let’s Get Knotty. Each designer brought their A-game, sending unique, head-turning looks down the runway. The styles ranged from dainty crochet two-pieces to grunge streetwear sweat sets. No two outfits were alike, and the models strutted with so much confidence, they practically sparkled under the Stages lights, making every design shine even brighter.
Beyond fashion, the event also spotlighted student artisans, transforming the venue into a sparkling marketplace. Vendors Sage Eden Designs, Let’s Get Knotty, Living Garments, Taylored Stitches, ET, and Lilly Coote Creative lined the walls, showcasing their unique crafts and designs. From intricate jewelry, custom crochet, to prints and stickers, the vendors added another layer of artistic expression to the evening, creating opportunities for students to celebrate and support one another’s creativity.
“We’ve never done anything like this before so we really just dove in headfirst,” Taylor said in an interview with The Journal.
The show came together quickly over the course of the fall semester, emphasizing the importance of community and student support. “It kind of felt like every day we’re taking a new needle and thread and trying to weave it into the show, so it’s not even until day-of where we’ll see if it’ll hold together,”she added.
Supported by an executive team of EJ Rajsky, ArtSci ’25, Nicole Dudtschak, Comm ’25, Halle Goldstein, Comm ’27, and Jaden Gottlieb, ArtSci ’25, the collective vision of the AIM Kingston team culminated in an evening that seamlessly blended artistry, fashion, and entrepreneurship.
The mission behind AIM is rooted in opportunity-creating, Rossman explained.
“The overarching goal of the Artist Impact Movement, and specifically what we wanted to foster here in Kingston, is to provide a platform for local creatives and student creatives and give them a chance to network with like-minded individuals,” she added.
The night was nothing short of spectacular. The fashion show took centre stage but didn’t stop at the runway—audience members embraced the event’s “be the statement” dress code with bold, eye-catching outfits, blurring the line between model and attendee. It was a showcase of individuality and self- expression, with the creativity of the crowd as vibrant as the pieces on the runway.
The sense of community was palpable, with cheers erupting from the audience as friends and peers strutted confidently down the runway. The event was a reminder of the deep well of artistic talent and support that runs through the veins of Queen’s.
AIM Kingston proved to be more than just an event—it was a testament to the power of student creativity and collaboration, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating what the movement will bring next.
Tags
Aim, Art, Artist Impact Movement, Fashion, Rethink Breast Cancer
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