CAFA was created to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievement and emerging talent in Canadian fashion design. In doing so, we hope to encourage the economic development of the Canadian fashion industry and endorse Canadian cultural sovereignty both at home and internationally. In addition to the awards show, CAFA operates year round, developing, funding and promoting economic development, networking and promotional opportunities for Canadian fashion creators and brands. The culture of a nation is reflected in the many ways that people express themselves and fashion is the visible and collectively accessible means of that self-expression. We believe the time has come for Canadian fashion, and the arts surrounding and supporting Canadian fashion, to step into the national spotlight. By shining a spotlight on these artists, we hope to create a stronger appreciation and market for Canadian fashion and help create an economic landscape in which creative business models can flourish so that Canadian talent can afford to remain on Canadian soil.