Guest Post: Alexandra Donaldson, @alxdonaldson [caption id="attachment_15901" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Jenna Bitvoe and Moe Razi both wearing designer Mikael D[/caption] On Saturday evening, for only the second time, The Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFAs) brought together some of the best and brightest of Canadian fashion, design, styling, photography and modeling. Held at the Fairmont Royal York in downtown Toronto, this year’s CAFAs were a glamorous tribute to our local talent, and despite the gowns, tuxes and spotlight, managed to be a touching and down-to-earth affair. This was due in part to our host Joe Zee, the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Style and this year’s Vanguard Award Honoree. Studying at the University of Toronto before moving to New York to pursue his fashion career, Joe Zee has successfully navigated Canadian and American fashion journalism with care and creativity. He accepted his award (presented by another famed Canadian fashion journalist, Jeanne Beker) with the humility and grace that makes his so recognizably Canadian saying, “If you’re not surprising, you’re not needed.” Perhaps most touching was the advice that Joe Zee shared with Jeanne Beker, “Be yourself. Have a point of view. The authenticity will come through.” [caption id="attachment_15902" align="aligncenter" width="598"] Left to right: Host of the evening and winner of this year's Vanguard Award Joe Zee, super model (and mother-to-be) Coco Rocha and photographer Tommy Ton, winner of Sephora's Image Maker Award and The Fashion Blogger of the Year Award.[/caption] In a fashion celebration of Canada it was fitting that the night’s honourary co-chairs were Michael Budman and Don Green, the founders of Roots Canada. Listening to two American expats talking about their love for Canada and its industry and their commitment to Canadian production and jobs was a highlight of the evening. Watching the accompanying Roots Canada video had anyone who has enjoyed a Canadian cottage weekend pause for a moment in silent thanks for the beauty and creativity of our country that is mirrored and emulated in our fashion. The big winner of the night was Mikhael Kale who won the Womanswear Designer of the Year Award. Kale’s conceptual and geometric approach to fashion, and his incredible attention to detail made him a well-deserved winner of the night’s most prestigious award. Other winners included individuals who have made a splash internationally, including online extraordinaire Tommy Ton who walked away with both the The Sephora Image Maker Award and the Fashion Blogger of the Year Award, and Anais Pouliot who won the model of the year award. Hosted by Sephora, the after party was a resounding celebration of the night and the industry with music, cocktails and dancing to finish off the evening. [caption id="attachment_15905" align="aligncenter" width="596"] Left to right: Model of the Year Award winner Anais Pouliot wearing Lucian Matis, Canadian design royalty Kim Newport-Mimran and Joe Mimran and super model and presenter for the evening Yasmine Warsame.[/caption] Although the list of official winners could not include everyone, it’s safe to say that any event that takes the time to recognize and celebrate Canadian talent makes winners of us all. The second annual Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards were undoubtedly a great success—and hopefully just the beginning of many years of honouring the Canadians who are doing us proud in the fashion world. Complete List of Official Winners

• Womanswear Designer of the Year Award: Mikhael Kale
• Menswear Designer of the Year Award: Philippe Dubuc
• The Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, Fashion: Sid Neigum
• The Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, Accessories: Beaufille
• The Outstanding Achievement Award: Marie Saint Pierre
• The Accessory Designer of the Year Award: Jerome C. Rousseau
• The Sephora Image Maker Award: Tommy Ton
• The Hudson’s Bay International Canadian Designer of the Year Award: Erdem Moralioglu
• The Yorkdale Stylist of the Year Award: Zeina Esmail
• The Model of the Year Award: Anail Pouliot
• The Fashion Blogger of the Year Award: Tommy Ton

  All images courtesy of the CAFA Awards.