Meet the Designer
Michael
Freitas
aka. Michael Michael, Material Arts & Design
“Exposé is an exploration of simple machine knitting techniques to showcase unique designs, styles, and textures that amplify knitted garments, creating silhouettes unlike any other. With a nine-outfit collection using red and black yarns, these knitwear pieces are a form of exploring the mundanity behind knitting. My goal was to transform what is usually considered a simple look into something grand, high-fashion, and couture, showcasing knitted garments as more than just a cable-knit top or regular cardigan. By researching experimental knitwear and fashion brand identities, this thesis began as a way to create garments without sewing skills. This quickly became a passion project—a display of a niche, unexplored category in fashion that I found deserves a bigger highlight and much more recognition, driving me to continue researching and creating in studio. As knitwear is not a typical garment type, this collection is the stark contrast to prove knitting is more than a hobby—more than a basic sweater.”
Vancouver-born, Michael Michael is a queer artist and award-winning writer; a poet, musician, and designer, Michael creates abstract pieces that defy colonial rules and push boundaries. Currently based in Toronto and attending OCAD University, Michael enjoys creating written and textile works from personal experiences, timely issues, and the strangeness of life, while spending time out and about at local events, indulging in film, cafes, and city exploration.In December of 2024, Michael launched EXERGONIC, an all-knitted, all couture fashion brand, releasing energy through art and fashion. This runway show held at OCADU's Great Hall featured a nine-outfit collection, EXXX, which garnered close to 100 ticket sales for a debut show, with attendees featuring the likes of fashion designer Marie Copps, photographer Kit Chan, and many other industry stars.In February of 2026, Michael released IN ONE MONTH'S TIME, a debut R&B album centred around the hardships of relationships, breakups, and romance. Featuring hits like 'KISS ME IDIOT' and REPLICA, this emotional album serves as Michael's entry way into music and a blossoming of expression.
Machine Knitting Creative Writing
2026, GradEx 111
OCAD University
2026, Startup Fashion Week
The Illuminarium
2025, RT Collective
Avant Garde Gallery
