talent in toronto
The Fairmont Royal York was a splendid scene commemorating the Canadian Fashion industry’s finest at the 4th annual Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards in Toronto on April 7th. Marking the fourth year of collaboration, Swarovski proudly presented the Swarovski Awards for Emerging Talent in Fashion and Accessories, and co-hosted an exclusive pre-gala dinner in recognition of the awards’ nominees.
The prestigious awards are presented to innovative Canadian designers who are emerging as true creative forces in Canadian fashion. This year’s Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Fashion was bestowed upon Maram by Sarah Rafferty, revered for her craftsmanship techniques and unconventional design, while the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Accessories was granted to Daniel Christian Tang, acclaimed for their exceptional multi-dimensional jewelry. Other award winners included Imran Amed, Iris Apfel, and Erdem, among other notable designers and industry leaders.
The Swarovski Award recipients have each received $10,000 along with a year of mentorship from industry leaders, including: Somsack Sikhounmuong, Head of J.Crew Women’s Design; Suzanne Timmins, Senior Vice President & Fashion Director, Hudson's Bay and Lord & Taylor; Paulo Leone, Brand Strategist & Creative Consultant; Demet Tepe, Partner at KPMG; and Ashlee Froese, Partner at Fogler, Rubinoff LLP.
Other 2017 nominees for the Swarovski Awards included House of Nonie, Malorie Urbanovitch, and Matthew Gallagher for the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Fashion, with Garema, Jon De Porter, and Poppy Barley as candidates for the Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent in Accessories.
Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, commented: “We are delighted to partner with CAFA for a fourth consecutive year to support this exciting international celebration of Canada’s fashion talent, and it is a pleasure to honor the hard work and dedication of the country’s rising stars in fashion and accessories design with our 2017 Swarovski Awards for Emerging Talent.”
Throughout the events, Atelier Swarovski shone brightly, including the intimate pre-gala dinner which brought glamour with celebrities and designers alike at the Soho House Toronto. Hosted by Swarovski and CAFA, model Grace Mahary, influencer Maripier Morin, and TV personality Jessi Cruickshank were all sparkling in jewelry from various Atelier Swarovski collections.
The following day, the big event kicked off with a star studded red carpet where even more Canadian tastemakers shone in crystal accessories. TV personality Jessi Cruickshank, the evening’s host, along with actresses and presenters Sarah Rafferty and Sarah Gadon, lit up the stage in Atelier Swarovski pieces. Additional glowing guests included influencers Sam and Calli Beckerman.
As a dedicated partner of CAFA since its inception in 2014, Swarovski continues to support innovative designers both established and developing, across various fashion and art landscapes throughout the world.
