Toronto’s fashion elite gathered last evening at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel for the 11th annual Canadian Art & Fashion Awards (CAFAs), a glamorous celebration of the country’s most innovative designers, models, and industry figures. Hosted by the charismatic drag superstar Brooke Lynn Hytes, the event unfolded with a vibrant red carpet where guests showcased their love for local Canadian brands. Nominees, including rising stars like models Heather Diamond Strongarm, Lauren Chan, and Ashley Callingbull, graced the carpet, adding to the night’s excitement.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the Vanguard Award to supermodel Linda Evangelista, a true icon of the fashion world. The award was presented by her friend and fellow designer, Erdem Moralıoğlu. In her acceptance speech, Evangelista, radiating elegance in an Erdem skirt suit, shared a heartfelt message about the profound impact of fashion on her life.
“Growing up in St. Catharines, my family rarely came around the lake to Toronto. This was the big city. So tonight, to be here with my family, is incredibly special,” she shared, showcasing her deep connection to her homeland. She went on to explain that, for her, fashion has always been a vessel for dreams, aspirations, and inspiration. “The beauty of fashion is there is no right or wrong way of creating it; fashion allows each of us to choose not only how we see ourselves but how we present ourselves to the world.”
Beyond Evangelista’s inspiring acceptance, the CAFAs also announced a groundbreaking new award: the Indigenous Fashion Award. Set to debut in 2025, this award will shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and artistry of Indigenous designers and artists within Canada. This exciting initiative recognizes the growing significance of Indigenous fashion within the global landscape.
The ceremony also awarded accolades in various categories, recognizing excellence in various fields within the fashion industry. Beaufille took home the title of Womenswear Designer of the Year, while Spencer Badu was named Menswear Designer of the Year. Mathieu Simoneau was awarded the Model of the Year award, and Ben Barry, Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design, received the Changemaker Award for his dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity within fashion education.
The 2023 Canadian Art & Fashion Awards was a night to remember, celebrating not only the exceptional talent within the Canadian fashion industry, but also the power of fashion as a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and cultural celebration. The event showcased the dynamism and creativity of Canadian fashion, solidifying its place as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.