Designer Noémie Vaillancourt was recognized for her whimsical, mindfully-crafted work.
Date October 27, 2020
Earlier today it was announced that Quebec-based brand Noemiah, helmed by creative Noemie Vaillancourt, won top prize in the Global Clothing category at the 2020 Etsy Design Awards. The accolade – which was decided in part by celebrity judge Drew Barrymore along with Etsy’s trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson – was bestowed to Noemiah for its eco-conscious balloon sleeved printed dress which is crafted in fine, Azo free silk organza and made in a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified facility.
“It is such good news for me,” Vaillancourt told FASHION after learning about her win. “I feel privileged to have grown an amazing clientele throughout Etsy over the last decade! This human connection is central to my purpose, and I don’t think I would have evolved the same way without it. It is a challenge to control [my brand’s] growth, and I cultivate the freedom that I have to take the time to think and to push my artistic approach. And I feel privileged if this award puts Canadian design on the global playing field.”
Noemiah wasn’t the only Canadian fashion brand to get a nod from the awards; Moncton accessory label DodoLeather and Toronto jewellery brand Omi Woods were also among the group of 100 finalists vying for category prizes and the $15,000 USD grand prize, which went to Calgary-based decor line AdrianMartinus for its credenza made from upcycled skateboards.
This news, in addition to Ottawa native Olivia Rubens winning the Responsible Fashion award at the recent International Talent Support competition, highlights the abundance of thoughtful design talent thriving across the country.