A few words with Canadian fashion stars at the 2026 CAFAs | Canada Voices

Last Thursday, for the first time in the annual event’s 12-year history, the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, or CAFA, rolled out its red carpet in Montreal. The gala’s relocation from its previous home base in Toronto hints at a momentum shift of sorts.

Première Vision, the international fashion trade fair held in global style capitals such as Paris and New York, added a Montreal event to its calendar last year. The annual M.A.D. Festival and Fashion Week continue to galvanize Montreal’s eclectic creative community and celebrate its rich lineage in textiles and manufacturing. And homegrown talents such as the meteoric Matières Fecales and Eliza Faulkner are finding acclaim on the global stage.

That independent spirit translated into playful, expressive outfits on CAFA’s red carpet, such as an elongated harlequin-patterned cap that looked like it came straight out of a Dr. Seuss book; a bonnet, corseted bustier and skirt ensemble recalling an X-rated Little Bo-Peep; a pair of semi-bottomless chaps; and suits in sequins and velvet.

Supermodel Coco Rocha, who received CAFA’s Changemaker Award, wore a hardware-studded black velvet gown and cap by Project Runway Canada season three winner Leeland Mitchell, who joined her on the red carpet. Rocha, a host and judge on the show, was also accompanied by runner-up designers Curtis Matysek and Charles Lu.

Here’s what some of the nominees and honourees had to say about Montreal’s status as a fashion capital and CAFA’s impact on Canadian fashion.

Lauren Chan, nominee, The Model of the Year Award

How would you describe Montreal’s influence on the broader fashion and art landscape?

Montreal is where so many – not only Canadian but global –influential folks come from. I’m thinking about Jacob Tierney and the impact that he’s had on the world and the queer community with Heated Rivalry. I think it’s really exciting that CAFA is in Montreal this year to both honour everyone that’s from Montreal and get us all excited about what’s to come.

What impact has CAFA had on your career?

I’m so proud to be Canadian, and I am so excited that I’ve been involved with CAFA for many, many years now. I’ve been nominated three times. I won Model of the Year in 2023. I’ve been on the jury. Every single other year I’ve been a presenter. I’ll basically do anything that Vicky [Milner, CAFA president and co-founder] will let me do.

Sophie Theallet, honouree, The International Canadian Designer Award

How would you describe Montreal’s influence on the broader fashion and art landscape?

Montreal is my home. I love Canada, and I’m very grateful to be honoured tonight. My friends – [model] Veronica Webb, [makeup artist] Daniel Martin, Tiziano Magni, the great photographer – they all came for me to celebrate CAFA. It’s divine.

What impact has CAFA had on the Canadian fashion industry?

I love what CAFA and Vicky [Milner] are doing for Canadian fashion. I think it’s important to show how beautiful the fashion is here.

Tim Blanks, honouree, The Vanguard Award

What impact has CAFA has had on the Canadian fashion industry?

Fashion has always needed dedicated individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to maintain the industry’s infrastructure, most significantly in the support for and celebration of young talent across the board: designers, models, photographers, stylists and the craftspeople in hair and makeup.

In Canada, that individual is Vicky Milner, whose CAFA is an invaluable launch platform for the local industry. I can only imagine how exhausting, even thankless, her task often is, so the scale of her commitment is awe-inspiring.

Dorothy Grant, honouree, The Indigenous Fashion Award

What does it mean to you to be honoured at the CAFA Awards tonight?

I’ve been working as an Indigenous designer and have done hundreds of shows all across North America. To be recognized in this category is an honour and a recognition that didn’t come easily. I’m so pleased that I represent not just myself but a lot of Indigenous designers.

Dorian Who, nominee, The Digital Creator Award

What excites you about the fashion and art in Montreal?

I love Montreal. I think it’s such a beautiful city. I see a lot of fresh fashion here, and I love a lot of emerging designers coming out of Montreal. It’s [CAFA’s] first time being here, so it’s exciting to experience something new in such a beautiful city.

What impact has CAFA on your career and the Canadian fashion industry?

It’s helped me reach a global stage, because it’s all about the credibility and support that we’re getting. In Canada it’s really tough to build a career in fashion, and having this community to see your hard work and give you the space to show your worth – it’s just amazing. I’ve been getting nominated for the past couple of years and won emerging talent designer in 2023, and it was just proof to myself that you can do it. I love celebrating with and supporting other amazing designers.

These interviews have been edited and condensed.