But this was not just another awards show. This was the first time the fashion industry gathered to honour the best in our country. I repeat, the first time. As a member of the official nominating committee, I am proud to have been a part of the process. Unlike the music, literary, stage and screen industries, Canada's fashion world - until now - didn't have an event to crown its own for their outstanding talents. Only time will tell if receiving a CAFA has a positive impact on one's career. Until it does, we're just shouting in a bubble. And since it's our first bubble, I vote we get dressed up and have a party. And party we did!
But wait! What every black tie gala in Canada needs is a snowstorm, right? I love that Canadians are such a hearty bunch. By the outfits you would never know we all left our boots at coat check.
Coco Rocha, Lisa Tant and me |
Welcome to the underground world of Canadian fashion!
I love Jay Godfrey's designs. His sizing is consistently perfect, I don't even require a fitting. In fact, I rented the dress from Rent frock Repeat for that very reason. (Although locals can schedule in person fittings.) I wanted something new without plunking down a few hundred for a dress I would likely wear once.
The CAFAs did a fine job of getting some big names out for the first annual event -- Dean and Dan from DSquared2, Coco Rocha, Joe Mimran and Jeanne Beker, who took home the 2014 Vanguard Award. Ten awards were given out for excellence in fashion, styling and image maker categories:
Womenswear Designer of the Year Award - Jeremy Laing
Menswear Designer of the Year Award - Travis Taddeo
Emerging Talent Award - Sarah Stevenson
Outstanding Achievement Award - DSquared2
Accessory Designer of the Year Award - Want Les Essentials de la Vie
Canadian Style Award - Joe Mimran
Image Maker Award - Chris Nicholls
International Canadian Designer of the Year Award - DSquared2
Stylist of the Year Award - George Antonopoulos
Model of the Year Award - Coco Rocha
Emerging Talent Award - Sarah Stevenson
Outstanding Achievement Award - DSquared2
Accessory Designer of the Year Award - Want Les Essentials de la Vie
Canadian Style Award - Joe Mimran
Image Maker Award - Chris Nicholls
International Canadian Designer of the Year Award - DSquared2
Stylist of the Year Award - George Antonopoulos
Model of the Year Award - Coco Rocha
Truthfully, only Sarah Stevenson stands to benefit from her award, with a $10,000 prize, a spring/summer '15 lookbook and mentorship from Joe Mimran, this year's Honorary Chair. I've had my eye on her since her humble design beginnings a few years back. As a Canadian she's still humble, but with the right direction this young talent could follow in the footsteps of fellow Canadian, Erdem Moralioglu or Mary Katrantzou.
Sarah Stevenson Fall Winter 2013 |
For more CAFA photos stay tuned to their Facebook page.
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