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TFI Newsletter October 2024
Dear Susan,
Welcome to this month’s issue of Happenings, our B2B fashion industry newsletter! We’re here to keep you informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve with curated content in the fashion business world. Whether you're a budding designer, a seasoned industry professional, or managing a retail brand, we've got resources to help you thrive.
In this issue, we’re shining a spotlight on some upcoming webinars designed to help you grow your sales and gain recognition. From learning how to land your first luxury retail account to getting your brand noticed by the film industry, these sessions are packed with insights from industry experts that you won’t want to miss.
We’re also excited to share information on a range of prizes, awards, grants, and competitions available to fashion entrepreneurs. These opportunities can provide crucial support to elevate your work and grow your business, so make sure to check out our listings and start planning your entries.
Finally, read more about upcoming fashion shows that showcase innovative young talents disrupting the industry. Whether you're attending, participating, or just keeping an eye on the trends, these events are a great way to stay inspired and network with other professionals.
Thank you for joining us, and let’s continue to build a vibrant and successful fashion community together!
Warmly,
Team TFI
www.fashionincubator.com
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Webinar: How to Land a Luxury Retail Account
November 6, 2024
On November 6, 2024, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm ET, please join us for an online fireside chat with Nicholas Mellamphy, Creative Director-at-Large for The Room at Hudson's Bay Company.
Learn insider tips on cracking the luxury retail market to take your business to the next level! This online session is perfect for apparel and accessory designers looking to expand their brand presence.
Discover the key strategies for approaching and securing deals with top-tier retailers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your business!
About Nicholas Mellamphy
Nicholas Mellamphy is a fashion industry veteran with an extensive background in luxury retail. Vogue magazine describes Nicholas as "A fashion legend and harbinger of style in Canada." He founded Cabine, an appointment-only retail experience for high-end clientele and now, in his current role, Nicholas' mission is to discover, nurture, and support talent, and re-engage with a community that values the legacy that The Room holds in the fashion industry.
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This webinar will not be recorded or repeated so be sure to register if you want to crack the luxury market and expand your brand presence.
TFI members: Email us for your exclusive promo code to get a FREE ticket!
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Canadian Wool Innovation Prize
Apply by October 25, 2024
The Canadian Wool Innovation Prize celebrates innovation within Canada's domestic wool value chain and connects it to the global industry. A cash prize of $10,000 will be awarded to an individual or private company that champions innovative uses of wool for commercial applications in apparel, interior design, agriculture, horticulture, scientific innovation, or other industrial uses.
For eligibility criteria and to apply, click here.
The application deadline is October 25, 2024.
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Designers Wanted
Apply by October 28, 2024
The Canadian Creative Accelerator (CCA) for Fashion Companies 2025 Program, hosted by the High Commission of Canada in the UK, and the Consulate General of Canada in New York working in partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage invites Canadian apparel companies to participate in the next CCA intake running December 2024 to March 2025.
Companies that design and produce men's, women's, children's or gender-neutral ready-to-wear apparel, are based in Canada, maintain a current and active commercial fashion business, can prove the company's financial and creative viability, and can demonstrate how your company will benefit from exposure to the UK and US markets are eligible to apply. Click here to apply before October 28, 2024.
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BIPOC Grant
Apply by October 30, 2024
The Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism is pleased to announce that the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs grant program is now open for applications.
This program will provide access to business development training, culturally responsive and tailored business coaching, networking opportunities, and a one-time grant of $10,000 to support Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs.
Deadline to apply is October 30, 2024. Learn more and apply here.
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You Could Win $50,000!
Apply by October 31, 2024
For the month of October, help Meridian bank recognize and reward small businesses that are making a big impact. Nominate an Ontario business that you believe is making the world a better place – and yes, you can even self-nominate!
Meridian is awarding a total of $150,000 in prizes, including $50,000 for the winning business in each of its two award categories: Community and Environment.
Click here for more details and to nominate. If the business you nominate wins – you win $1,000!
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Menswear Designer of the Year
Huge Congrats to Spencer Badu!
On October 19, 2024, Canada's most glamorous night of the year took place at the Fairmount Royal York Hotel. The Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, now in its 11th year, celebrates Canadian fashion designers, stylists, hair and makeup artists, models, photographers, digital creators, icons, and changemakers.
Award winners included supermodel Linda Evangelista who received the Vanguard award, Roots for Outstanding Achievement, Beaufille for Womenswear Designer of the Year, and TFI resident alumnus Spencer Badu for Menswear Designer of the Year. Former TFI Chair, Ben Barry, who is now Dean at Parson's School of Fashion in New York, received the Changemaker Award.
For a full list of award recipients, click here.
Photo: George Pimentel
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Fashion Art Toronto Returns November 14 to 17, 2024
Fashion Art Toronto’s 1664 Fashion Week F/W 2024 returns with a new venue, 45+ designers, and experiential installations!
Taking place at a new downtown venue T3 Bayside (251 Queens Quay East), the city’s most avant-garde fashion week will present runway shows from 45+ Canadian designers, provocative fashion presentations, experiential art installations, and a massive retail shop alongside stylish entertainment including a 1664 Bar, chic lounges, red carpet, DJs and photo opportunities.
Tickets to Fashion Art Toronto’s 1664 Fashion Week, including weekend and day passes, VIP front row tickets, single show tickets, and student tickets, are now available online. Get tickets here.
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TFI Members: You're Invited!
November 15, 2024, 2:00 pm
TRIPLE THREAT is a fashion event happening on November 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm, taking place at Fashion Art Toronto's new downtown venue T3 Bayside, 251 Queens Quay East.
In collaboration with the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) and Fashion Art Toronto (FAT), the fashion program FSN706 at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) will present a showcase of TMU design graduates: Audrey Chen, Serena Li, Shelli Oh, and Vivian Pan. The event, organized by undergrad students and overseen by TFI's Executive Director Susan Langdon, includes a runway show, panel discussion, and social networking.
TFI members: Email us for the registration link and your exclusive promo code to get a FREE ticket!
Space is limited to 60 guests!
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Webinar: Beyond the Runway:
Bridging Fashion & Film
December 4, 2024, 7:00 pm ET
Step into a glamorous world where fashion meets film in this exclusive fireside chat with celebrity stylist Adam Quang. From red carpets to film sets, learn the secrets of getting your brand noticed by the industry's top stylists and Hollywood insiders. Discover how to secure celebrity clients, sharpen your networking skills to unlock exclusive opportunities, and leverage media exposure to skyrocket your brand's success.
Don’t miss this chance to gain insider tips on making your mark in the world of fashion and film.
Click here and register now!
TFI members: Email us for your exclusive promo code to get a FREE ticket!
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OWIT TO Export Awards
Call for Nominations
The Ontario Women in Trade Toronto Chapter (OWIT TO) is now accepting nominations for its 2024 Export Awards in the categories of Woman Exporter of the Year, Excellence Award for Leadership in International Trade, and Student of International Trade. The awards support and celebrate the achievements of women who foster international trade and the advancement of women.
Nominate someone today! Click here for eligibility details and the nomination forms.
The awards luncheon takes place on November 14th, 2024, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm, at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre. Stay tuned for ticket information.
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In Other News
- The Federation of African Canadian Economics has launched the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, which provides loans ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 to help address the funding challenges faced by Black-owned businesses in Canada. This initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journeys, promoting economic and community growth. Learn more about this initiative and its impact: This business loan aims to break the cycle of underfunded Black Canadian entrepreneurs. Click here to learn more.
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Lab-grown leather innovator Qorium has moved closer to full-scale commercialization of its product with a 35x35 cm sample produced via the company’s scaled-up tissue bioreactor. Qorium’s process uses a small sample of living cow skin cells, replicating them to create leather with the same strength, durability, and look as traditional leather. At full scale, it will use far less water and energy than traditional tanning processes, reducing its environmental impact and addressing animal welfare—key concerns for brands and consumers. Read the article here.
- Canadian footwear brand Dawgs won a federal circuit ruling against Crocs over false advertising claims. Crocs must return to court to address allegations that it falsely promoted its Croslite material as patented, despite admitting it was never patented. The US Court of Appeals sent the case back to Colorado, stating Crocs' long-standing claims could be considered deceptive. Previously, Dawgs lost a design infringement case to Crocs in Canada. Now, Dawgs seeks damages, arguing Crocs' false advertising misled customers and caused financial harm, potentially making Crocs liable for hundreds of millions. Read more here.
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