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George Pimental / Instagram.com/vickymilner6

Vicky Milner 
President, Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards 

“I helped create these awards because there wasn’t anything in the country to really celebrate fashion and bring the fashion community together.”

Nadya Kwandibens of Red Works Photography

Sage Paul
Co-founder and artistic director, Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto

“I’ve done it all—fashion, costume design, art—but my work is always dedicated to promoting and fostering Indigenous designers in the cultural sector.”

Instagram.com/mariesaintpierre

Marie Saint Pierre
Designer, Maison Marie Saint Pierre

“I started my own brand because I wanted a job in design in Montreal. That was over 30 years ago.”

IMDB

Joe Zee
Stylist, television personality and producer

“I hosted the CAFAs last year. We really need to emphasize Canadians’ stories on a global level to help shine more light.”

Akash Rai

Ben Barry
Chair, School of Fashion, Ryerson University, Toronto

“At 14, I started a modelling agency in my hometown of Ottawa that focused on representing diverse models. I now work with the next generation to ground thinking in design and diversity.”

William Arcand

Brigitte Chartrand
Senior director, womenswear buying, Canadian online shopping site SSENSE

“I believe in blurring gender lines when it comes to women’s fashion by bringing men’s collections to the women’s category and also bringing international brands to North America.”

Renata Kaveh

Dwayne Kennedy
Fashion director

“As a stylist, a fashion director and co-founder at The Collections, I’ve been very involved with producing fashion weeks. We’ve worked with over 100 designers in the country.”

Jason Eng

Nina Kharey
Founder, luxury fashion line NONIE

“There is an immense amount of talent here, all deserving of being showcased internationally.”