The inaugural Black Designer Award of Excellence honored Black Canadian designers from across the country. This award of excellence was launched by the celebrated Black designer George Sully together with his foundation, Black Designers of Canada. Sully’s struggles to gain a place in Canada’s Fashion Industry inspired him to recognize 100 Black Canadian designers. The winners received a hand-crafted plaque that symbolizes an unrelenting spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.
George Sully himself is a recipient of the 2020 Visionary Award and received the Bata Shoe Museum twice in a row. He is a household name in the Canadian Fashion Circle. His name cropped up every time you hear the brands Sully Wong and House of Hayla and Sully & Son Co. He designed the Starfleet Boots for Star Trek Discovery of CBC.
George Sully’s achievements are a fitting example for Black Designers who dream to be a name in Canada’s Fashion Industry. The award is his way of inspiring others when he said that the Award wishes to acknowledge the struggles of Black designers, their strength, motivation, and commitment. He also added that the recipients of this award exemplify every designer who has survived their obstacles including systematic racism.
