Designers of the Year: Our Fashion Judges Are Rock Stars

Calling all fashion and jewellery designers! Put your work in front of these world-class judges by April 1.

The Western Canadian fashion scene is rich with iconic brands—and we’re thrilled to announce that our judges are true originators in that scene. Read on, and most importantly: enter our Designers of the Year Awards to put your work in front of them.

Lyndon Cormack

As co-founder and managing director of Herschel Supply, Lyndon Cormack is responsible for overseeing sales and operations on a day-to-day basis. Lyndon brings with him several years’ experience working with brands in the fashion industry. His commitment to consistency, strong sales management skills, and ability to establish long-term brand direction have played an integral role in Herschel’s success, and continues to drive the company forward as a leader in the global accessories market.

Lyndon and his brother Jamie’s shared passion for design and business extends to other collaborative investments. Together, they have ownership interests in Richmond, Virginia-based apparel and lifestyle retailer Need Supply, as well as luxury boutique Totokaelo, which has locations in Seattle and New York City.

Danielle Wilmore

Danielle Wilmore is a principal designer and co-founder of Pyrrha, whose internationally recognized line of talisman jewelry has been handcrafted in her and her husband Wade’s Vancouver studio since 1995. Danielle grew up in rural Ontario making friendship bracelets and never stopped.

Following a formal education in photography, she moved to the West Coast where she continued to make original jewelry for friends. She and Wade founded Pyrrha with an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful, inspiring jewelry.

Their high standard of ethical and environmental practices makes Pyrrha one of only ten jewelry manufacturers in the world to hold certified B Corp status.

Catherine Guadagnuolo

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Catherine Guadagnuolo—founder and president of Vestis Fashion Group—has always had an eye for fashion.

In 1981, she travelled to Italy and fell in love with European style. In fact, Italy made such an impression on Catherine that she decided to stay indefinitely and enroll in pattern-making and sewing classes. The decision would alter the course of her career and life.

Enamoured with the craft of Italian clothesmaking and the exquisite detail that went into creating stylish yet long-lasting designs, Catherine decided to introduce these garments into the Vancouver market. In 1985, she opened her first women’s retail store on South Granville, carrying well-made, ready-to-wear brands like Max Mara.

In 1989, Max Mara granted Catherine approval to open a boutique dedicated entirely to the brand—and just like that, Vestis Fashion Group was born. Ever since, Catherine’s luxury retail company has provided Vancouver shoppers with high-quality, meticulously crafted clothing and accessories.

Today, Vestis Fashion Group operates 11 stores, including four Max Mara boutiques—the largest concentration of Max Mara shops in any North American city—and four Weekend Max Mara locations. Vestis Fashion Group also operates the first stand-alone boutique in Canada for Italian jewellery brand Pomellato, as well as two Blubird boutiques, which offer a multi-brand collection of trendy and elevated garments.

Enter Designers of the Year by April 1, 2019! Questions? Check out our FAQs.