The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) was hosted in Montréal by Caroline Vreeland and Isabelle Racicot, at La Nesra. The anual gala is the industry’s highest night of recognition, honouring everyone from the next wave of emerging designers to the legends who have been shaping Canadian style on the global stage. CAFA showcased a snapshot of an industry that is undeniably having a moment, and we were honoured to be there and celebrate.
CAFA Co-Founder and President Vicky Milner | Photo credit: George Pimentel
“Tonight, we celebrated excellence. On behalf of CAFA, congratuations to all of this year’s nominees and honourees.”
CAFA Co-Founder and President Vicky Milner
Photo credit: George Pimentel
The evening’s special awards set the tone early-on in the evening. Fashion broadcaster and journalist Tim Blanks received the Vanguard Award, presented by Patrick Cox, in recognition of a career spent shaping global fashion discourse across decades of hosting, writing, and editing. Entrepreneur Andrew Lutfy took home the Outstanding Achievement Award, a nod to his transformative work across fashion, retail, real estate, and philanthropy.
World-renowned designer Sophie Theallet, was presented with the International Canadian Designer Award by Veronica Webb, celebrated for her decades-long career and her ethical, inclusive vision of what fashion can be. International supermodel and advocate Coco Rocha received the Changemaker Award from Jay Manuel, recognised for redefining modelling as both a profession and an art form through her championing of model rights, mentorship, and higher industry standards.
Perhaps the night’s most powerful moment came with the presentation of the inaugural Indigenous Fashion Award to Canadian fashion legend Dorothy Grant, presented by Amber-Dawn Bear Robe. Grant’s decades-long career has elevated Indigenous heritage, storytelling, and community on national and international stages — and seeing that legacy formally recognised for the first time felt long overdue.
Sasha Jardine, Founder STE.MARG.SCOT with Elise Gasbarrino, Editor-in-Chief, STYLE Canada | Photo credit: George Pimentel
RVNG Couture took Womenswear Designer of the Year, while École de Pensée claimed Menswear Designer of the Year. Biko won Accessory Designer of the Year and Kanuk was named Outerwear Brand of the Year. Emerging talent awards went to Golshaah in fashion and Atacz in accessories, with Mackenzie Cyr receiving the Fashion Design Student Award.
Awar Odhiang was named Model of the Year, with Emaan Zishan taking Fresh Face of the Year, presented by Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty. Garrett Naccarato won Image Maker of the Year, Ashley Galang took Stylist of the Year, Julie Cusson was named Makeup Artist of the Year, and Steven Turpin claimed Hair Artist of the Year. Izzi Allain won Digital Fashion Creator of the Year, presented by ELLE Canada and ELLE Québec, while sustainability-focused label Lignes De Fuite received the Fashion Impact Award.
The gala floor was as much an experience as the ceremony itself. Shoppers Drug Mart Beauty debuted as a signature sponsor with a portrait studio helmed by photographer Barb Simkova, guests left with a striking keepsake and access to a touch-up station stocked with Canadian beauty brands including Nudestix, Watier, and Quo Beauty. Amazon Canada’s “Canadian Tapestry” installation invited guests to contribute personalised fabric strips to a growing communal look, a quietly moving metaphor for the collective nature of Canadian creative identity. And over at the Los Cabos Lounge, after-party guests swapped industry talk for tequila cocktails and the chance to win a Mexican getaway.
As Canadian fashion continues to assert itself on the global stage, evenings like this one matter, and we’re already looking forward to celebrating Canadian artists at CAFA 2027.
