Vicky Milner. Credit: Fashion Magazine
For 13 years, Vicky Milner has led the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA) since its very beginning. During that time, she has watched new designers grow into widely recognized names. She has helped connect them with sponsors, secured grants, and created opportunities for mentorship. Her efforts have given many Canadian designers valuable exposure.
Milner says supporting local fashion is more important than ever. She believes Canadians should be proud of their designers and celebrate them whenever possible.
Celebrating Creative Talent
Recently, a magazine cover featured nine Canadian designers, a moment Milner calls “a great moment.” She admires each designer’s unique style, from Spencer Badu’s international success to Golshaah’s ventures into furniture and jewellery. She recalls first seeing Charles Lu at Fashion Art Toronto and praises Joey Gollish, a CAFA Menswear of the Year winner now working with Roots.
What connects them, she says, is confidence in their own vision. None of them try to appeal to everyone, which helps them stay authentic.
The Need for Funding and Support
Milner says almost every designer she speaks to points to the same need: funding. Fashion demands high costs for production, manufacturing, and materials. In Canada, government support for fashion remains limited.
CAFA relies on private-sector partnerships for grants. Beyond funding, Milner stresses the importance of mentorship and networking, which can lead to more opportunities. She recalls a project called Stitch to Screen, which connected Canadian designers with the film and TV industry, creating new business possibilities.
Growth in Local Awareness
Looking back over CAFA’s history, Milner sees a major shift. More people now recognize and buy Canadian-made fashion. Since COVID, the “shop local” movement has gained momentum, and more Canadians choose local products when given the option.
She often gets requests from people seeking Canadian designers for award shows and events, boosting business for jewellery, clothing, and accessories. She believes this growing awareness is strengthening the entire fashion ecosystem.
Balancing Creativity and Business
Milner notes that fashion blends art and commerce. Some designers focus on bold, avant-garde runway pieces, but she advises having more wearable designs as well. This allows them to reach everyday buyers while keeping their signature style.
She points to Golshaah’s modern white blouse as an example—unique yet versatile for work or social outings. Balancing creative expression with sellable products, she says, is key to long-term success.
The Future of Canadian Fashion
Milner wants to see more collaboration within the Canadian fashion industry and more red-carpet moments featuring local designers. She believes continued support, both financially and culturally, will help Canadian talent thrive. “These designers have really put in the work,” she says. “We should all champion our own talent whenever possible.”
