In case you missed it, on October 19, the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) transformed Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York into the ultimate celebration of Canadian style and culture. Hosted by drag icon Brooke Lynn Hytes, the night brought together Canada’s fashion elite, celebrating groundbreaking talent with an energy as electric as the designs on display.
The 2024 gala marked a milestone with the introduction of the Indigenous Fashion Award, a visionary move by CAFA Co-Founder Vicky Milner to spotlight Indigenous voices, honour tradition, and support creative growth through mentorship. This commitment to purpose carried through the evening as CAFA highlighted the vital work of charities like Shelter Movers and EVE, whose missions centre on supporting survivors of abuse and intimate partner violence.
Awards were given to icons who continue to redefine the industry. The Vanguard Award went to Linda Evangelista, honored by designer Erdem Moralioglu. With over 700 covers and a legacy that champions AIDS/HIV awareness and LGBTQ+ rights, Linda is a living symbol of fashion’s impact beyond the runway. The Changemaker Award recognized Ben Barry, Dean of Fashion at Parsons, for his transformative work in fashion education, and Justice and Nia Faith for their movement with Révolutionnaire, empowering young people through inclusive apparel.
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CAFA 2024 was more than an awards gala; it was a masterclass in how fashion can blend artistry, luxury, and a sense of purpose. This year’s gala raised the bar on what it means to honour Canadian fashion’s finest, while weaving a powerful narrative of resilience, inclusivity, and community.
Here are the 2024 CAFA Winners
2024 Vanguard Award of the Year: Linda Evangelista
2024 Changemaker Award: Ben Barry
2024 Changemaker Award: Justice Faith and Nia Faith (in absentia)
2024 Outstanding Achievement Award: Roots
Menswear Designer of the Year Award: Spencer Badu
Womenswear Designer of the Year Award: Beaufille
Award for Emerging Talent, Fashion: Jontay Kahm
Award for Emerging Talent, Accessories: Steff Eleoff
Accessory Designer of the Year Award: Maguire
Outerwear Brand of the Year Award: Nobis
Fashion Design Student Award: Tia Kureshi
Image Maker of the Year Award: Richard Bernardin
Stylist of the Year Award: Amber Watkins
Fresh Face of the Year: Dalton Dubois
Model of the Year: Mathieu Simoneau
Fashion Impact Award: Vanja Vasic, Fashion Art Toronto
Award for Digital Fashion Creator of the Year: Mei Peng
Makeup Artist of the Year Award: Sabrina Rinaldi
Hair Artist of the Year Award: Kristjan Hayden
