Canada’s fashion elite descended on Montréal last night for the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards 2026—and let’s just say, the 12th annual gala delivered everything. From industry legends to rising stars, this year’s celebration was a powerful reminder that Canadian fashion isn’t just having a moment—it is the moment.
Held for the very first time at La Nesra and hosted by the effortlessly chic Caroline Vreeland and Isabelle Racicot, the evening brought together designers, models, creatives, and tastemakers from across the country to celebrate excellence, innovation, and global impact. As CAFA Co-Founder Vicky Milner put it, “Tonight, we celebrated excellence”—and the room was absolutely brimming with it.
The night’s honourees read like a who’s who of fashion greatness. Industry icon Tim Blanks received the Vanguard Award, while entrepreneur Andrew Lutfy was recognized for his transformative leadership. Designer Sophie Theallet was honoured for her global influence, and supermodel Coco Rocha took home the Changemaker Award for redefining what it means to be a modern model. Meanwhile, Canadian legend Dorothy Grant made history as the inaugural recipient of the Indigenous Fashion Award—an emotional and powerful moment that underscored the importance of storytelling and heritage in design.
And then, of course, the winners. From RVNG Couture taking home Womenswear Designer of the Year to École de Pensée winning Menswear Designer of the Year, the talent on display was next-level. Emerging designers like Golshaah and Atacz proved the future of Canadian fashion is in very good hands, while names like Biko, Kanuk, and Lignes De Fuite continued to solidify their place at the top.
Beyond the awards, the night was a full sensory experience. Think immersive beauty moments from Shoppers Drug Mart, a collaborative art-meets-fashion installation by Amazon Canada, and a vibey after-party powered by Los Cabos tequila cocktails. Fashion, beauty, culture—and a little bit of escapism—collided in the best possible way.
If one thing is clear, it’s this: Canadian fashion is bold, diverse, and unapologetically global. And after a night like this, the rest of the world is definitely paying attention. —Noa Nichol
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