CAFA 2021: celebration of local fashion | JDM

Just as Karine Vanasse told me in an interview, “this CAFA [Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards] sets the right tone for deconfinement. We want glamour, colors, audacity and beauty”. And that's what was on the menu for this new virtual format that helped democratize the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, which highlighted and celebrated the 2020 finalists, with the gala having been revamped due to the COVID-19.

The past year has not been without its share of challenges for the fashion industry, but during a discussion with Vicky Milner, the CAFA president highlighted some positive repercussions caused by the pandemic and reaffirmed the organization's commitment.

“I witnessed an incredible collective resilience and a desire to help each other as many went into action mode, for example by producing personal protective equipment. This induced lull also focused the conversation on the damaging aspects of this industry and what needs to be done. Consumers discovered new brands and encouraged them. This has had the effect of solidifying the community, because it is a question of the economy, but also of the individuals who make it up,” assesses Vicky Milner.

In this vein, the organization continues to promote local talent, while increasing the visibility of emerging designers.

“Designers receive great international recognition. They produce unique and quality collections in a variety of categories, we no longer just design outerwear. You have to inspire the next generation of creators and make sure you support them well so that they are ready to succeed,” she explains.

I continued the conversation with the guests and the winners of certain categories.

From their new workshop in Frelighsburg, Mélodie Lavergne and Alex Surprenant, from Fumile, accepted the Emerging Talent award, accessories category with great humility. “We would like to share this award with Lucie Grégoire, who taught us the hatter trade.

We also dedicate this recognition to all the milliners who, like us, try to bring hats up to date,” says the duo. It was Karine Vanasse who gave them the prize. “You have to be proud of what you do here. If we don't, who will? Plus, the beauty of Canadian fashion is that you can color it any way you want. We immediately think of clothing and jewelry, but there are several accessory companies, including Maguire and La Canadienne shoes or Fumile hats. Our fashion is very diverse and you have to take the time to discover them and get to know them, ”claims the actress, who had chosen a dress by Marie-Ève ​​Lecavalier.

Pierre-Olivier Allard won the Simons Fashion Design Student Prize, awarded to an exceptional student who recently graduated from a fashion design program in a Canadian school. “Over the past 20 years, I have spoken few words more often than my

own name and those of Celine Dion and “oh! I bought it at Simons”, so tonight, it is a great privilege and an honor to receive the Simons prize”, said the graduate of the École supérieure de mode of ESG UQAM and LaSalle College.

Tika the Iggy, the most popular Montreal dog on Instagram and TikTok, joined the ceremony. She wore a peacock feather outfit designed by Shantell Design to greet her fans.

To kick off the entertainment for the evening, Amanda Brugel, actress known for her role in the series The Scarlet Handmaiden, opted for a Kaela Kay dress adorned with a huge bow.

“The beauty industry in Canada is growing and innovating, and the world is watching. Many are looking to us to find out what's to come. Honestly, it's a very exciting time to be a part of this growth, this recognition and this change," says Jennifer Brodeur, Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama's "Skin Guru" and author of The Skin and Its secrets, who for the occasion chose among her favorite brands to compose her look: a Room 502 shirt, an Éditions de robes skirt, Zvelle shoes and Ecksand jewelry.

International model and style icon Coco Rocha reminds us why Canadians shine all over the planet: “I think it goes without saying that the talent of Canadian artists is world class. In addition to their expertise, I think most people recognize Canadians for their hard work and good humor.” She was carrying Sid Neigum.

Maye Musk has received the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award for her modeling career, which spans five decades. “Receiving this award is a great honour. I was born in Regina, then moved to South Africa with my parents, then came back to Toronto in 1989. I couldn't believe how a 41-year-old model was so welcomed into the fashion industry. I look back on my experiences in Canada and still feel grateful and happy,” the nutritionist and fashion icon said, before adding, “I wear Victoria Hayes. This is unexpected for a 73-year-old woman. I find this look very sexy! »

"I'm a big fan of fashion because, like music, it tells a story. Participating in CAFAs 2021 was an amazing experience as I saw how the fashion and arts communities came together to celebrate each other, especially after being hit so hard by the pandemic,” says singer Deborah Cox. “I love RVNG Couture and its dreamy, elegant pieces. »

Greta Constantine’s Kirk Pickersgill had a hopeful message when he received the Womenswear Designer of the Year award. “Being recognized by your community for your work is a feeling like no other. But what excites me the most about this nomination is the fact that it signals to the leaders of tomorrow that not only is looking different or being different acceptable, but it is defended”, maintains the designer.

In recent years, the brand has seduced the star system. Actress Viola Davis has often splurged on her colorfully saturated designs, as have Priyanka Chopra and Sarah Hyland, not to mention writer and poet Amanda Gorman donned one of her dresses for her Time Magazine cover.

► To discover all the winners of the evening, go to www.cafawards.ca.