Diversity and inclusivity in fashion and beauty is hot topic. While there seems to be a lack of representation and acknowledgement for Black creatives in the industry, the Black Fashion and Beauty Gala (BFBG) is working towards changing that narrative. The event, which was held on September 24th at The Grand Luxe Event Boutique in Toronto, Canada, is the first of its kind poised to recognize and reward the contributions of Blacks in fashion and beauty. The city’s most diverse mix of emerging hairstylists, makeup artists, fashion stylists, retailers, designers, models, estheticians and influencers flocked to the event venue in a celebration of Black talent and achievement under theme “The Phoenix Rises from the Ashes.”
The Black Fashion and Beauty Gala also payed particular tribute to Stacey Mckenzie, who has walked for top designers in the fashion industry such as Jean Paul Gauthier, Betsy Johnson, Thierry Mugler, Phat Pharm, Alexander McQueen, Todd Oldham, and Bustle Clothing just to name a few.
In a statement prior to the event, Anne-Marie Daniel-Baker, BFBG Awards founder said, “The BFBG Awards is a not-for-profit organization that commits to providing a platform for Canadians who have paved the way for Black professionals in the fashion and beauty industry. To celebrate the launch, the BFBG Awards will be presenting supermodel, actress, runway coach and television personality, Stacey Mckenzie, with the prestigious Trailblazer and Lifetime Achievement Award. This coveted award honours industry giants who have not only significantly broken the glass ceiling and paved the way for others, but who have also been transformative leaders that consistently inspire the community.”
The event featured an evening of awards, a runway show, networking and entertainment while the awards ceremeony itself presented 11 nominated categories, one red carpet and one honorary award. The Archer Statuette, a solid bronze, gold-plated archer, mounted on a marble slab base was awarded to Canadian Black creatives who had been nominated in the following categories: Photographer of the Year, Influencer of the Year, Model of the Year, Hair Artist of the Year, Skin Care Brand of the Year, Make-Up Brand of the Year, Make-Up Artist of the Year, Esthetician of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Fashion Stylist of the Year, Designer of the Year and Red Carpet Best Dressed.
Worthy of mention are the following honourees.
Hollywood Jade — Jade Anderson, known professionally as Hollywood Jade, is a Canadian dancer and choreographer best known for his regular appearances on the reality television series Canada’s Drag Race.
Tynomi Banks — Sheldon McIntosh, known professionally as Tynomi Banks, is a Canadian drag queen. A staple of Toronto’s queer nightlife scene since the 2010s, Banks performed in drag for over a decade before competing on the first season of the reality competition television series Canada’s Drag Race.
Rosemary Sadlier — Rosemary Sadlier was the president of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) from 1993 to 2015. As president, she contributed to the recognition of Black history through education, research and outreach programs.
Caffery Vanhorne — Caffery Vanhorne is an award winning stylist offering years of excellence in fashion and conceptual design. A multidisciplinary artist, Caffery exists in the world of fashion, Photography and Interior Design. Often described as ‘a one man show’ he not only creates alluring vignettes but is capable of photographing them through his own lenses. Working in his favorite mediums combined with optimism he manifested his next challenge as one of the hosts of the new HGTV Canada show “STYLED.”
The Black Fashion and Beauty Gala (BFBG Awards) is an annual red-carpet-themed event that celebrates creatives and businesses in the Black community by supporting and acknowledging accomplishments, and awarding their contributions in the fashion and beauty industry. The BFBG Awards is a major benefit that provides up-and-coming talent mentorship opportunities with existing businesses, awards grants to help foster the education of talents, boosts new and existing businesses, and creates opportunities and inclusivity within the Canadian fashion and beauty industry.
Winner of this year’s awards are outlined below.
- Designer of the Year — Tiffany Cyrus and T.M.A Creations
- Esthetician of the Year — The O Spot
- Fashion Stylist of the Year — Sin.C.Lair
- Hair Stylist of the Year — Natalie Nichole Geddes and Dknd Signature Styles
- Influencer of the Year — Kyra Milan Brown
- Make-up Artist of the Year — Monique Nicholson and Glowed by Mo
- Make-up Brand of the Year — Paba Cosmetics
- Model of the Year — Honey Benjamin
- Photographer of the Year — Samantha Clarke
- Retailer of the Year — The O Spot
- Skincare Brand of the Year — Simkha Biocosmetics
The Black Fashion and Beauty Gala aims to support, acknowledge and reward the accomplishments and contributions across Canada annually. This year’s gala was facilitated with the help of its presenting partner Urban Planet and honourable partners Clore Beauty Supply, Potential Films, B.Classic, NORM, Black Business Live, Levis, Grace, Haute Noir, Holiday Inn Express and EFE.
I’m a seasoned communications and marketing consultant with a penchant for all things stylish and chic. Follow me on social media and subscribe to the newsletter for regular updates on industry trends and much more!