GALLERY: Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards 2026 Lights Up Montreal
Written by Fête Chinoise Editorial team (Deborah Lau-Yu, Kayla lo)
Photography: George Pimentel Photography
The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) returned to Montreal on April 23, 2026, marking its first year in the city with a celebration of Canadian fashion, creativity, and cultural influence. The evening honoured designers, artists, and industry leaders whose work continues to shape the national and international fashion landscape.
Among this year’s honourees, RVNG was named Womenswear Designer of the Year, presented by actor Sarah Gadon, while École de Pensée received Menswear Designer of the Year, presented by Joe Zee, reaffirming the strength and global resonance of Canadian design.
The 2026 edition of CAFA brought together a wide spectrum of honourees, from established icons to emerging voices, underscoring the evolving scope of Canadian fashion. Renowned model Coco Rocha was honoured with the Changemaker Award, in recognition of her longstanding advocacy for model rights and her continued efforts to elevate standards within the industry.
Coco Rocha and Jay Manuel
Kim Gingras
In the styling category, Ashley Galang was named Stylist of the Year, with the award presented by actress Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. A longtime collaborator within the Fête Chinoise creative community, we’re especially excited to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
Ashley Galang Named Stylist of the Year
The evening reflected a broader cultural moment: one that speaks to the values of diversity, inclusion, and integrity within today’s creative industries. It highlighted individuals who turned early aspirations into enduring careers, alongside those dedicated to advancing the arts and fashion through sustained practice and advocacy. The evening also saw meaningful Asian representation among this year’s honourees, which reflects the continued growth and visibility of Asian creatives within the Canadian fashion landscape.
Scroll down for the full list of winners and highlights from this dazzling evening!
Caroline Vreeland
Leith Sinker and Emaan Zishan
Sophie Theallet and Veronica Webb
2026 CAFA Award Honourees
RVNG named Womenswear Designer of the Year
The Indigenous Fashion Award
Dorothy Grant
The Vanguard Award
Tim Blanks
École de Pensée named Menswear Designer of the Year
The International Canadian Designer Award
Sophie Theallet
The Outstanding Achievement Award
Andrew Lutfy
The Changemaker Award
Coco Rocha
The Complete Winners List
The Womenswear Designer of the Year Award
RVNG
The Menswear Designer of the Year Award
École de Pensée
Accessory Designer of the Year Award
Biko
The Outerwear Brand of the Year Award
Kanuk
The Hair Artist of the Year Award
Steven Turpin
The Makeup Artist of the Year Award
Julie Cusson
The Model of the Year Award
Awar Odhiang
The Digital Creator Award
Isabelle Allain
The Fashion Impact Award
Lignes De Fuite, Milan Tanedjikov
The Fashion Design Student Award
Mackenzie Cyr
The Fresh Face of the Year Award
Emman Zishan
The Stylist of the Year Award
Ashley Galang
The Award for Emerging Talent, Accessories
Atacz
The Award for Emerging Talent, Fashion
Golshaah
The Imagemaker of the Year Award
Garrett Naccarato
Lisa Kisber, Jordan Hyatt, Sarah Gadon
Bernice Liu in RVNG Couture and Qeelin at Fête Chinoise Signature Event 2024, Styled by Ashley Galang.
Samantha Tan styled by Ashley Galang for Fête Chinoise Annual Book of People Edition 9: Finding Momentum.
Linda Chung in RVNG Couture and Bulgari at Fête Chinoise Signature Event 2025, Styled by Lisa Fang.
Alex Porat in ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, Styled by Ashley Galang for Fête Chinoise Annual Book of People Edition 9: Finding Momentum.
Behind the Scenes AT Fête Chinoise Editorials WITH ASHLEY GALANG
MORE FROM Fête CHinoise
The Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards was held in Montreal for the first time on April 23, 2026, honouring RVNG, École de Pensée, Coco Rocha, and Ashley Galang alongside Canada’s leading designers and creatives in fashion, beauty, and styling.