Toronto, ON – As the Toronto Fashion Academy embarks on a journey of international expansion with the unveiling of new campuses in Calgary, Canada, Dubai, UAE and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Fall 2024, it is an opportune moment to delve into the institution’s illustrious history of setting the benchmark for excellence in fashion education. Since its inception, the Toronto Fashion Academy (TFA) has stood as a beacon of inspiration, nurturing creative talent and fostering innovation within the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry.
Pioneering a Legacy: From Vision to Reality
Established in 2013, TFA was born from the vision of the Founder and CEO, Jason Cameron. With a profound passion for both fashion and education, JC envisioned an institution that transcended conventional paradigms, offering not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on, practical experience. The hallmark of TFA’s approach lies in its meticulously crafted fashion workshops, spanning 32 hours and seamlessly integrating 16 hours of theoretical instruction with 16 hours of immersive practical training, thus providing students with a holistic educational experience that is unparalleled in the industry, TFA is also responsible for sourcing and providing the portfolio building opportunities.
Innovation at the Core: Evolution of TFA’s Curriculum
From its modest beginnings, TFA swiftly garnered acclaim for its avant-garde curriculum, which seamlessly amalgamates traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technological advancements. The academy’s programs are meticulously designed to not only impart fundamental skills but also to nurture a culture of critical thinking and creative exploration among its students. The key practical experience attached to the educational program is what makes its students thrive within the fashion environment.
TFA has five dynamic divisions:
1. Workshops:
– Fashion Photography
– Fashion Design
– Fashion Styling
– Make-up Artistry
– Modeling
– Influencer Marketing 101 (Available only in the Middle East)
2. Designer Showroom
3. Event Management
4. Marketing & Advertising Agency
5. Merchandising
Meet the Architects of Success: Driving TFA’s Ascendancy
Jason Cameron: Chief Executive Officer
With an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in the entertainment and fashion industry, Jason Cameron’s multifaceted expertise has been instrumental in catapulting TFA onto the global stage. From pioneering initiatives such as the International Fashion Encounter to championing the cause of local designers, Cameron’s visionary leadership has been pivotal in steering TFA’s expansion to four international locations.
He has been honoured with a plaque from the United Nations Women National Committee Canada for outstanding support, while supporting and endorsing several charities and human rights organizations.
Ravi Narine – Director of Business Development & Client Relations
Is no stranger to the luxury lifestyle industry. He previously managed all marketing activities for Lamborghini Canada and the northern United States. He also managed the South American and Mexico markets, respectively during his first year with the brand.
Prior to joining Lamborghini, Ravi had an extensive career with American Express Canada’s Entertainment and Lifestyle Division where he managed business development, partnerships and experiential for their luxury Retail portfolio. In this role, Ravi established 300+ new partnerships leading to substantial revenue generation, notably collaborating with all of the major fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Versace, Christian Louboutin, Prada, and Burberry.
Basil Waris – Director of Operations (Toronto)
Basil’s expertise extends to the world of fashion, where he excels as a creative director, orchestrating visually stunning editorials that push boundaries and redefine aesthetics. Magazine features come to life under his guidance, weaving together words and visuals into seamless tapestries of inspiration. Celebrity styling is his canvas, where he paints personas with fabrics and accessories, transforming artists into icons.
His work has been featured in publications such as: VOGUE Italia, Harper’s BAZAAR Vietnam, ELLE Canada, HELLO!, FASHION Canada, Dress to Kill, Toronto Life, and more.
Branded events, campaigns and collaborations includes L’Oréal Paris, Dior, Rimowa, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Fairmont, REDKEN, Versace, Roger Dubois, Netflix, Amazon, Art Basel Miami and more.
Benjamin Wills – Director of Operations (Western Canada / Middle East)
Working across Canada and U.S. along with heading TFA Middle East, He also owns King Pharaoh Consulting which is a personal and professional styling business, as he likes creating simplicity and time so you can spend time on what’s important. providing structure in your busy live creating the means to fulfill your retail and styling wishes, mitigating any heavy lifting. Not only do I work with clients personally as a professional stylist & shopper, but also working on set whether that is for commercial, print, campaign, film, fashion.
Clients: Mercedes Benz, Lamborghini America, Versace, Hermes, Gucci, LV, Hotel X, Hotel Arts, Forbes, Vogue, TIFF, ET Canada
Pinal Surana – Head of Marketing (Toronto)
Pinal Surana, our Head of Marketing, is a seasoned professional with a background in luxury brand management and fashion marketing from Cavendish College. With an impressive career that includes stints at renowned fashion houses like She Canada, Tommy Hilfiger, BEBE, Styfi, and KOOVS to name a few, Pinal brings a wealth of expertise to TFA. Her strategic vision and extensive industry experience make her an invaluable leader in our pursuit of excellence.
Mona Eissa – Access International Consultants Network (AIC- Middle East Representative)
Access International Consultants Network (AIC), is a premier Canadian Consultancy and International Project Management firm dedicated to facilitating seamless project initiation and implementation for Canadian companies venturing into the GCC and MENA regions.
Founded by Mona Eissa, a dynamic Canadian entrepreneur with extensive experience spanning the public and private sectors across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, the UK, and Canada, AIC brings unparalleled expertise in bridging the gap between knowledge and resources.
Mona Eissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Language and Translation, then she augmented her qualifications with a specialized study in International Project Management at the University Of Toronto and an MBA in International Business from Sunderland University, UK. Her remarkable career trajectory includes spearheading the Strategic Program Fund strategic managing international projects for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, nominating her for Her Majesty’s Honor List in 2011 and an award from His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Turki Al Faisal on 2012.
A New Chapter Unfolds: TFA Expands its Global Footprint
As TFA commemorates its 11th anniversary, the announcement of its expansion into Dubai, UAE, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Calgary, Alberta heralds a new chapter in the academy’s illustrious journey. Rooted in the belief that quality fashion education transcends geographical boundaries, TFA’s foray into the Middle East represents a testament to its unwavering commitment to shaping the future of fashion education on a global scale.
In anticipation of the forthcoming expansion, Jason Cameron expressed, “We are thrilled to extend the TFA experience, our expansion endeavors are not merely about opening new campuses; they embody our steadfast commitment to creating a global community of fashion enthusiasts who share our passion for creativity, innovation, and excellence across all our divisions.”
The legacy of the Toronto Fashion Academy is one defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, continuous innovation, and an unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of fashion trailblazers. As the academy embarks on its journey to new horizons, the indelible impact of TFA’s legacy is poised to resonate across continents, shaping the aspirations and ambitions of aspiring fashion professionals worldwide
