ON creating A MORE inclusive INDUSTRY

PAUL “I didn’t see myself in the industry because I didn’t have the money to produce a collection—or even have access to people at the bigger corporations, because to work at those corporations, you have to intern and work for free, which I wasn’t able to do. I really encourage those who are on the fringe to create a space for themselves.” BARRY “Lesley Hampton’s most recent show at Toronto Fashion Week, in which she cast all Indigenous women of diverse ages and body types, was a breakthrough moment. It centred on the original fashion of Canada, Indigenous fashion, and it spoke to the beauty of celebrating all bodies in artful clothing. I think that is an example of what Canadian fashion is and can continue to be.” CHARTRAND “Our designers are putting forward designs that reflect our multicultural and progressive environment. Not only that but I find that Canadian designers embody a level of humility and willingness to collaborate, which I believe are two identifiably Canadian traits.”

MILNER “YOU CAN’T JUST CAST A WOMAN OF COLOUR FOR ONE SHOW BECAUSE IT’S A HOT TOPIC. WE HAVE TO SHIFT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN POWER IN ORDER TO BE MORE DIVERSE.”