May 21, 2021
While the pandemic may have canceled the 2020 edition of the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards, the event was
back in full swing on Wednesday evening for a virtual celebration.
The seventh annual ceremony, which recognizes Canada’s top designers and fashion industry professionals from categories such as womenswear, menswear, accessories, and more, spotlighted nominees and honourees previously announced in 2020. The hour-long interactive show was hosted by award-winning Canadian actress Amanda Brugel and was broadcasted live from Toronto.
Among the winners, Greta Constantine took home the Womenswear Designer of the Year Award, while the Menswear Designer of the Year Award was presented to 3.PARADIS, beating out Frank And Oak, Raised by Wolves, Dime, Haven and Hip and Bone.
In the accessories category, Mejuri beat Biko and vegan bag brand Matt & Nat, among others, to take home the accessory designer of the year award.
Among emerging talent in the Canadian landscape, Victoria Hayes was recognized in the fashion category, while Fumile received honours in the emerging accessory category.
The outerwear designer of the year award, which recognizes a Canadian outerwear designer who has made a lasting impact on the outerwear industry in Canada and abroad, went to Arc’teryx.
Likewise, the Fashion Impact Award, awarded to a Canadian designer or brand that has made a significant social or philanthropic impact went to Canadian favourite, Lesley Hampton.
Finally, Dani Reiss presented October’s Very Own (OVO) with the 2021 Vanguard Award for their trailblazing contributions to the international world of fashion, while the International Canadian Designer Award was presented by Madame Sophie Grégoire Trudeau to Tanya Taylor, founder of her eponymous collection.
Among other industry professionals, Shayna McNeill received the Fresh Face of the Year Award; Corey Ng took home the Hudson’s Bay Stylist of the Year Award; the Model of the Year Award was presented to Mae Lapres; and The Digital Fashion Creator of the Year Award went to Donté Colley.