The inaugural 2023 IFA Trade Program brought a delegation of Indigenous designers to the WHITE Milano tradeshow at Milan Fashion Week; the virtual Canadian Creator Accelerator program in NYC, introducing designers to key industry leaders and mentorship; the consumer tradeshow Original, Mexico; and a ROM retail pop-up shop in Toronto.
Activities
WHITE Milano
WHITE is a network that aims to connect key realities, support the growth of fashion markets, and support emerging designers and international brands. It also offers a direct link between its locations in Tortona Fashion District and the major international showrooms in Milan. International buyers have a unique opportunity to meet business-to-business and discover new designers and seasonal must-haves.
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Canadian Creative Accelerator
The Canadian Creative Accelerator (CCA) is an initiative of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service at the Consulate General of Canada in New York. The initiative aims to increase the scope and global reach of Canadian creative industries. Geared toward the US market, the CCA is aimed at emerging and established companies that are ready for international growth. The objective of the program is to create tangible economic outcomes for the fashion companies that participate in the Accelerator.
Original, Mexico
Original is a permanent cultural movement, generated by the Mexican government, dedicated to creating awareness about the value of artisan work and collective property rights; seeks to promote the construction of a new ethic in the relations of artisns and their communities with the national and international design industry. Every year it brings together textile artisans and artisans from creative towns and communities throughout Mexico in a great event for business-to-consumer commerce.
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The ROM Pop-Up
ROM Boutique offers a unique collection of local, international, and artisanal products themed to art, culture, and nature, reflecting the beauty and diversity of the Royal Ontario Museum’s galleries and exhibitions. The IFA Pop-up at ROM Boutique in Toronto featured six artists’ work for sale online and in-store from November 14, 2023, to February 19, 2024, supporting Indigenous designers by increasing their brand awareness and improving market placement.
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