Canadian fashion in the spotlight during awards night

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Apr 8, 2017

Canadian fashion took center stage in Toronto on Friday night at the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) where over a dozen of Canadian designers and fashion industry professionals were honoured.
 
The fourth annual ceremony, held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, surpassed expectations according to CAFA President, Vicky Milner.
 
“We are truly honored to have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate Canadian talent that have made a significant creative, social and philanthropic impact on both the industry and on culture. We look forward to seeing the Canadian fashion sector continue to thrive both economically and creatively in 2017,” said Milner.
 

Among the winners, the sister duo behind Beaufille, Chloe and Parris Gordon, took home the award for Womenswear Designer of the Year, while designer Zakariah Milana from Toronto streetwear label The Feral was presented the Menswear Designer of the Year Award, beating Christopher Bates and Bustle.
 
Montreal-born, London-based Erdem Moralioglu scored the International Canadian Designer of the Year Award. The award recognizes a Canadian designer who achieved International success and brought attention to Canadian talent on the world stage.

Toronto-based jewelry designer Jenny Bird was awarded the Accessory Designer of the Year Award.
 
Among emerging talent, Sarah Rafferty from Maram was recognized in the fashion category, while 3D printed jewelry creators Daniel Christian Tang received honours in the accessory category.
 
The Fashion Impact Award, awarded to a Canadian designer or brand that has made a significant social or philanthropic impact, went to Veteran womenswear designer David Dixon.
 
Among other industry professionals, Caillianne and Samantha Beckerman took home The Digital Fashion Influencer Award for Beckerman Blog; Meghan Collison was named Model of the Year; The Stylist of the Year Award was presented to Juliana Schiavinatt; and Caitlin Cronenberg was recognised with this year's Image Maker of the Year Award.  
 
Iris Apfel also made an appearance to accept to the first International Style Icon Award, while the Founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion Imran Amed, accepted the Vanguard Award for his contribution to the global fashion industry as a writer, thinker and commentator.