The CAFA Awards (the Oscars of Canadian fashion) nominees are out, and as usual, it includes a potent mix of Canadian fashion talent, including those who have both made it at home and on the global stage. Along with greats including Lucian Matis, Greta Constantine and Marie Saint Pierre, notable nominees this year include renowned celebrity stylist Karla Welch (whose clients include Tracee Ellis Ross, Elisabeth Moss, Lorde & Ruth Negga) and image maker/artist and curator Petra Collins, who has directed videos for Selena Gomez and photographed campaigns for Gucci (and starred in one herself).
Now in its fifth year, CAFA has also introduced the The Suzanne Rogers Designer Grant for International Development, to be presented to an outstanding Canadian designer or brand that is poised for international expansion. The winning designer, to be chosen by a panel of three judges consisting of Suzanne Rogers, international designer Erdem Moralioglu, and Canadian fashion icon Wayne Clark, will receive a grant worth $20,000 to expand their business.
CAFA will also honour Nadja Swarovski with the Global Fashion Business Leader Award to acknowledge her significant contributions to the fashion industry, championship of new and emerging designers and Swarovski’s sponsorship of international fashion awards including CAFA.
Meanwhile, Canadian fashion success story The Aldo Group, founded by Canadian businessman, Aldo Bensadoun, will receive the 2018 Outstanding Achievement Award.
The CAFA Award winners will be announced at a red carpet gala on April 20th, 2018, at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
Here is the full list of nominees.
The Womenswear Designer of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian womenswear designer who has made a significant creative impact in the Canadian fashion industry.
Greta Constantine
Lucian Matis
Marie Saint Pierre
Stephan Caras
UNTTLD
The Menswear Designer of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian menswear designer who has made a significant creative impact in the Canadian fashion industry.
Atelier New Regime
Christopher Bates
Dalla
Reigning Champ
The Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, Fashion will be presented to an innovative Canadian designer who is emerging as a true creative force in Canadian fashion.
Andrew Coimbra
Angelene
Markoo
WRKDEPT
ZOFF
The Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, Accessories will be presented to an innovative Canadian designer who is emerging as a true creative force in Canadian fashion accessory design.
Alynne Lavigne
JY Gao
Laurie Fleming
Poppy Barley
Sofia Zakia
The Accessory Designer of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian fashion accessory designer who has made a significant creative impact in the Canadian fashion industry.
Biko
Cuchara Jewelry
Ela
Herschel Supply Co.
Zvelle
The Joe Fresh Fashion Innovation Award will be presented to a company that is innovating how we experience, consume or interact with fashion through technology.
Authentic or Not
North Aware
Passen
Shop Shops
Tulip
Simons Fashion Design Student Award will be presented to an exceptional fashion design student who has recently graduated from a fashion design program.
Bronwyn Seier
Jessy Colucci
Larry Frederick Alan James Weir
Lesley Hampton
Mary Marino
The Image Maker of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian fashion photographer or filmmaker who has made a significant impact within the Canadian fashion industry.
David Picard
Gordon Von Steiner
Malina Corpadean
Norman Wong
Petra Collins
The Stylist of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian fashion stylist who has made a significant impact within the Canadian fashion industry.
Cary Tauben
Corey Ng
Karla Welch
Leslie Fremar
The Fresh Face of the Year Award will be presented to an emerging Canadian model who the industry recognizes as one of Canada’s newest and brightest fresh faces.
Aleece Wilson
Elizabeth Salt
Fred Juneau
Natalie Ludwig
Ryan Keating
The Model of the Year Award will be presented to an outstanding Canadian model who has made a significant impact within the Canadian fashion industry.
Adrianne Ho
Amber Witcomb
Grace Mahary
Simon Nessman
The Fashion Impact Award will be presented to a Canadian designer or brand that has made a significant social or philanthropic impact in the Canadian and/or international community.
Niminimi
Peggy Sue Collection
Shine The Light On
The Pin Project
Triarchy
The Digital Fashion Influencer of the Year Award will be presented to a Canadian fashion blogger or website that demonstrates creativity, excellence, and range in online fashion critique, reporting, and photography.
Ania Boniecka
Caillianne and Samantha Beckerman
Jillian Lansky
Maripier Morin
The Outerwear Brand of the Year Award will be be presented to an outstanding Canadian outerwear brand who has made a significant impact in the Canadian fashion industry.
ARCTERYX
Canada Goose
Mackage
Sentaler
