Considering that much of the work by artist Brendan Fernandes centers on movement and the body, it’s no surprise that comfort is key when it comes to his personal aesthetic. “I feel empowered when I wear something I feel comfortable in,” says the Toronto native and current Lakeview resident, who showed at the 2019 Whitney Biennial and debuts his dance film Free Fall, for Camera at the Art Gallery of Ontario April 25. Having rebelled against his uniform while at an all-boys school, Fernandes finds inspiration in Thom Browne’s take on the idea. “Thom takes this uniform [of men’s tailoring] and makes it individual, challenging the idea of a great suit or menswear. When I see someone else wearing him, we automatically gravitate to each other.”
In three words, I would describe my style as Nonconforming, Nonbinary, queer.
When I was a kid, I would pick my neighbors’ flowers and try to sell them back to them.
If I could turn back time I would tell myself to dance more freely.
Giggling with my friends makes me happy.
The craziest thing I ever did was become an artist.
My life story in four words is Always Becoming Something Else.
My earliest style memory is my family wearing matching plaid safari outfits to the airport.
If there were 26 hours in a day, I would cram in two more hours of dancing in the mirror.
My favorite place to shop for clothes in the city is Sir & Madame, run by my dear friend, Autumn Merritt.
For kicks, I always wear Common Projects.
My fashion splurge is Comme des Garçons.
My favorite watch is a Vintage 1980s dual-tone Rolex.
A man is not fully dressed without his ego and attitude in check.