Beaufille and Unttld among 2020 CAFA nominees

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Mar 13, 2020

The Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA) announced on Thursday the nominees for the 2020 edition of its annual awards show, naming the leading and emerging talent currently shaping the Canadian fashion industry and beyond.

The seventh annual awards gala taking place on May 29, is one of Canada’s only awards night that recognizes Canadian-based designers and various members of Canada’s fashion industry.

Among the nominees for the 2020 event, designer Unttld was once again nominated for the Womenswear Designer of the Year Award alongside Beaufille, Eliza Faulkner, Greta Constantine and Judith & Charles.

Up for the Menswear Designer of the Year Award is Frank And Oak and Raised by Wolves, who will square off against 3.Paradis, Dime, Haven and Hip and Bone.

In the accessories category, returning jewelry brands include Mejuri, Biko and vegan bag brand Matt & Nat, who will be up against Ela Handbags, Herschel Supply Co. and Wolf Circus.

Meanwhile, for the Outerwear Designer of the Year Award, which was created just a couple of years ago, royal-favourite Sentaler was nominated, alongside Arc’teryx, Kanuk, Soia & Kyo and Nicole Benisti. 

Among emerging talent in the Canadian landscape, Angela Mitchell, Cat Janiga, Fellow Earthlings, Fumile, Maguire Boutique and Partoem were nominated for the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in the Accessories category, while Luxton Woman, Mani Jassal, RVNG, Spencer Badu, Steven Lejambe and Victoria Hayes were nominated in the fashion category.
 
Nominees were equally named in categories such as styling, modelling and other fashion-related categories.

“We are so excited to honour these distinguished individuals, and would like to thank all of the brands and creatives who have taken the time to submit their applications this year,” said CAFA President Vicky Milner, in a news statement.

“We are always amazed by the caliber of talent we have here in Canada, and are grateful for the opportunity to continue to shine a spotlight on these noteworthy people and brands.”

Global lifestyle brand October’s Very Own (OVO) will also be honoured during the evening with the 2020 Vanguard Award for its trailblazing contributions to the international world of fashion.

Likewise, legendary model, Maye Musk, will be bestowed the 2020 Outstanding Achievement Award for her iconic career as a fashion and beauty model spanning five decades. 

Among the winners last year, Sid Neigum took home the Womenswear Designer of the Year Award and a $20,000 grant for international development, while the Menswear Designer of the Year Award was presented to Christopher Bates.

In the accessories category, Dean Davidson beat Mejuri and Biko to take home the accessory designer of the year award.

The red carpet gala will take place at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, where the winners for a total of 17 award categories will be announced.