Calgary, the modern cosmopolitan city in the areas of the Canadian prairies and the Canadian Rockies, quickly becomes a fashion center for Filipino creatives and global talents.
One of the most important fashion events in this fast -growing region that attracts the attention of fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals and international media, is the Calgary International Fashion & Arts Week (CIFAW).
CIFAW is a global celebration of fashion and a platform for networks, education and talks about trends, inclusiveness and the future of fashion industry. It aims to encourage and present creativity, innovation and cooperation between designers, stylists, models, photographers and journalists.
It was founded by Spotlight Couronne Internationale, Inc. led by Filipino-Canadeese: CEO/President Limuel Hayag Vilela, a producer/designer and former model; and COO/Chief Creative Director Alvin Masangkay Francia, an aviation expert and educator.
CIFAW started as a passion project and hobby for the two enterprising founders, who are deeply enthusiastic about fashion and education. The dynamic duo initiated CIFAW as a community event, voluntarily their time to give free lessons to children and teenagers who had experienced or struggled with self -doubt.
The inaugural event, dubbed “The fashion departs from New York City” took place in 2017. The event contained three remarkable designers: Jude Charles, a fashion designer based in New York who had previously paved the road for Limuel to walk into the landing course in The Big Apple; Vanny Tousignant, an Indonesian-American designer based in New York; and Marco Not Polo, an artist also located in New York.
“The first CIFAW was a huge success, so that the growth of the event in the following years was the growth of the event. In the course of time, CIFAW has not only grown into a first annual celebration of diversity and creativity, but has also become a launch platform for many of the young talents who fed it, “Vilela revealed.
Francia shared: “Some of the very first models trained by Limuel and Alvin now make large waves in the fashion world and decorated the runways of Milan, Paris, London and New York Fashion Weeks for iconic American, Italian and French fashion houses. “
To date, CIFAW continues to maintain its mission to empower individuals through fashion and art, while they shine a global spotlight on the talents it cultivates.
The dynamic founders
Vilela was immersed in fashion in the Philippines. Producing shows was therefore a natural progression.
“Transition from a model to a brand designer and ultimately the production of international fashion shows feels like a path that God has prepared for me, a journey from nothing to something,” Vilela shared.
Vilela arrived in Canada in 2008. He graduated from the Toronto Film School in 2022. But it was Calgary that soon became his second home: “This city opened countless doors for my personal and professional growth. It gave me a space to share my passion for production and entertainment, and the community welcomed me while I was striving for my dreams. I started here with a modest beginning and Calgary gave me a platform to contribute something that makes sense for the community. “
Francia, an advocate for education and accessibility, believes in the transforming power of creativity – whether it is in the classroom or on the runway. With a strong tendency to the fashion industry, he sees fashion as an art form that trains, inspires and authorizes self-expression.
“I integrate advanced strategies to create fascinating and inclusive environments where learning and creativity cross each other. My mission is to bridge the gap between education and opportunities, using platforms such as fashion and art to enable individuals to thrive and reach their full potential, ”said Francia, who is currently following a master’s degree in distance education at the University of the Philippines.
However, the duo soon discovered that starting a company with regard to fashion in Calgary – a city that is generally recognized as “Cowboyland” – came up with its unique series of challenges.
“In the beginning we were confronted with skepticism about the legitimacy of our company. Some wondered if fashion could be considered a serious company and could be asked about our earlier portfolio. This doubt made particularly difficult for the first few years when we worked to establish our credibility. Securing customers was another important obstacle, “said Vilela, who comes from the province of Quezon.
As Filipino entrepreneurs, they also came across cultural assumptions. Many believed that their company only took care of the Filipino community in Calgary. Overcoming this perception and their events and services for everyone included was a big struggle.
“Despite these challenges, we maintained. Through passion, hard work and the relentive belief in the transforming power of fashion, we gradually have earned the trust and support of the community, “said Vilela. “We are proud of having built a brand that not only thrives but also include inclusiveness, creativity and the potential of fashion to inspire and empower.”
Vilela and Francia emphasize that there is no strict qualification process to be part of CIFAW. We both strongly believe in giving a platform to everyone, especially new and emerging creatives that may not have had a chance to shine.
Francia added: “Fashion and art are such a perfect combination – they complement each other and raise each other. Calgary is such a lively and diverse city, and we want to reflect that on our platform. So the only thing we really look for is passion. You have to love what you do, and it must be seen in your work. And of course we want you to be as creative as possible. Blow us away. Let us go, “Wow!” That is all we ask for. “
Nowadays the duo does not produce alone CIFAW but also Calgary Kids Fashion Week, Edmonton Kids Fashion Week, Winnipeg Kids Fashion Week, SCI PH New York and SCI Ph Paris.
A milestone moment at the ‘Marriott Moments A-Fair’
In its relatively young existence, CIFAW contributed to the reputation of Calgary as an emerging and fast -growing fashion capital. This year the same exuberance and vitality will extend to Manila, because Cifaw will promote Filipino fashion worldwide.
So, whether you get from Calgary, Manila, Paris or somewhere in between, as long as you have passion and creativity, CIFAW is a platform for you.
In collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy, and themes and motifs, the long-awaited ‘Home: A Celebration of Love and Life’s Winning Moments-The 9one Calgary International Fashion and Arts Week “and” Marriot Bonvoy’s Marriottt Moments A-Fair: Dream Weddings and Events Expo “will take place in the MGBX Exhibition Hall in Marriott Grand Ballroom on July 26 and July 27, 2025.
“CIFAW is absolutely not exclusive to Filipino creatives – it is also open to global talents. Although we are proud of our roots and love that support the Filipino community, this platform has been made to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness, ”Francia clarified.
Vilela added: “My hope is that this endeavor serves as a bridge connecting Canadians, Filipinos and the rest of the world through fashion, art, culture and tourism. I want it to inspire every Filipino to be proud of their roots and on the place we mention at home – the Philippines. ‘
It was important for Francia and Vilela that their company name included the word ‘internationally’ – because both from the first day dreamed great.
Working with Marriott Manila in July is a huge step for us. It is a milestone that proves that we are going in the right direction. Our plans are to remain faithful to our core values: cooperation and inclusiveness, “said Vilela.
“What is really exciting this year is that we expand our mission. This partnership in Manila will not only draw worldwide attention on Filipino creativity, but also a spotlight on the beauty and culture of the Philippines, “concluded Francia. “So our big plan is simple and yet ambitious: keep growing, keep working together and keep making CIFAW a space where fashion, art and culture clash beautifully – while they create opportunities and celebrate diversity on a worldwide stage.”
For more information about Spotlight Couronne International Inc Productions and future events, visitors https://www.scimodels.ca or e -mail us on info@scimodels.ca Follow us on @Scimodellen.
Spotlight is the sponsored part of BusinessWorld with which advertisers can strengthen their brand and make contact with the public of Business World by publishing their stories on the website of the business world. For more information, send an e -mail to online@bworldonline.com.
Join Viber on https://bit.ly/3HV6BLA To get more updates and subscribe to the titles of Businessworld and to get exclusive content www.bworld-x.com.