CAFA is thrilled to announce the honourees ahead of its momentous 11th annual award show gala taking place on October 19th, 2024, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Canadian supermodel Linda Evangelista will be bestowed the Vanguard Award. Over the course of her storied career, Linda Evangelista has taken fashion’s most devoted and worldwide audience on a visual journey of legendary proportions. With more than 700 magazine covers to her credit, Linda has appeared in a plethora of the most iconic advertising campaigns and editorials ever published and walked countless runways for the world’s most celebrated designers. In the ‘90s, the term “supermodel” was created to describe the global hurricane that Linda and a select group of colleagues found themselves at the vortex. Appearances in two of pop star George Michael’s music videos, “Freedom ‘90” and “Too Funky”, only confirmed Linda’s pop culture royalty status. With a career heralded by so many, Linda continues to inspire—using her celebrity to support a variety of causes—most notably breast cancer, of which she is a two-time survivor, and as an activist for AIDS/HIV research and awareness, racial equality, body positivity and the LGBTQ+ community.
“I am thrilled to receive this year’s Vanguard Award at the CAFA Gala. As a proud Canadian, to be honoured by my fellow country men and women in fashion and in the arts is something I will always treasure. I’m very much looking forward to celebrating the incredible Canadian arts community at this year’s CAFA ceremony,” said Linda Evangelista.
The Changemaker Awards, created to honour the remarkable achievements of individuals who have spearheaded meaningful, positive, and progressive change within the Canadian fashion industry and beyond, will be presented to Ben Barry and Justice and Nia Faith.
Dr. Ben Barry, Dean of Fashion at Parsons School of Design in New York City, is being awarded for his work transforming the school’s fashion curriculum and culture by embedding access, equity and justice as its foundation. Previously, as Chair of Fashion at Toronto Metropolitan University, Ben spearheaded a new vision to integrate inclusion, decolonization, and sustainability into the school’s courses, hiring practices and student life. His teaching and research explore the intersectional fashion experiences of disabled, fat, trans and queer individuals, collaborating with these communities to design clothing, fashion shows, exhibitions and programs that cultivate inclusion and equity. In partnership with Sinéad Burke, Ben launched the Parsons Disabled Fashion Student Program. This recruitment, scholarship and mentorship initiative creates access for disabled students in fashion education and fosters disability inclusion in the fashion industry. In recognition of his contributions to the fashion industry, Ben was named to the inaugural Vogue Business “100 Innovators” list.
“Canada has shaped the foundation of who I am as a fashion educator, researcher, and academic leader,” said Ben Barry. “Being honoured with the Changemaker Award highlights the vital role fashion educators play in shaping the perspectives and practices that drive our industry forward.”
Justice and Nia Faith are also being recognized with the Changemaker Award for their work as the co-founders of Révolutionnaire and The Rév Shop, a movement to empower young people to make a positive impact, and an inclusive apparel and accessories line designed for everyone to celebrate the skin they’re in. Justice and Nia also proudly serve as the co-chairs of AFTER THE BALL – The Gen Z spinoff event to the Butterfly Ball, mobilizing Toronto’s young philanthropists to support the work of Boost Child and Youth Advocacy Centre and their mission that every child deserves to be safe. Together, Justice and Nia have been recognized as Forbes 30 Under 30 honorees, among Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Women, and Toronto Star’s Top 24 of 2024. Their influential work and insights have been featured in Forbes, WWD, Black Enterprise, Toronto Star, Elle Magazine, Buzzfeed, Refinery 29, Essence, Fashion, Cheddar, CBC, and more.
“We are honoured to be recipients of the CAFA Changemaker Award and so grateful to be able to dedicate our lives to making a positive impact while leveraging art and fashion as vehicles for change,” said Justice and Nia Faith.
Finally, Roots, premium outdoor lifestyle brand renowned for its iconic sweats and leather goods, will be honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award, which Meghan Roach, the President and CEO of Roots, will accept. Founded by Don Green and Michael Budman in 1973 in Toronto, Roots has spent the last 51 years as a cornerstone of Canadian culture, embodying a deep commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation. With a foundation built on a love for the outdoors and the beauty of nature, Roots is recognized for its craftsmanship and meaningful connection with communities worldwide. Under the leadership of President and CEO, Meghan Roach, Roots continues to celebrate its rich heritage while embracing a dynamic vision for the future, driven by creative leadership and a passion for innovation. As the company marked its 50th anniversary last year, it remains dedicated to forging authentic relationships with its customers and partners, inspired by the unwavering support of the Roots team.
“It is an honour and a privilege for Roots to be recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award by CAFA,” says Meghan Roach, President and CEO of Roots. “For over 50 years, we have been proud to represent the spirit of Canadian heritage and craftsmanship, and this award is a testament to the dedication of our team, then and now. As we continue to evolve and innovate, we remain committed to staying true to our roots while embracing a future that reflects the values and creativity of our diverse community. We look forward to continuing our journey of growth and connection, both here in Canada and around the world.”
What began eleven years ago as a glamourous, red-carpet evening showcasing top Canadian fashion has evolved into an international platform that provides year-round programming and economic development opportunities with the goal of raising awareness and recognition for Canadian talent within the global fashion industry. To purchase tickets for the 2024 Awards Gala and After Party, please visit www.cafawards.ca.
