2026 Industry Icon Award:

Izzy Camelleri

Izzy Camilleri: A Visionary Force in Fashion, Inclusivity, and Screen Costume Design

Izzy Camilleri’s name is synonymous with innovation, artistry, and transformative leadership in the world of fashion and costume design. Over a landmark career spanning more than four decades, she has distinguished herself as a creative powerhouse, bridging haute couture and screen wardrobe.

Camilleri’s enduring impact reaches far beyond the garments she creates—her work redefines industry standards for creative expression and inclusivity. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Camilleri is named the 2026 CAFTCAD Industry Icon, cementing her legacy as one of Canada’s most influential design voices.

Early Life and Entry into Fashion (1984–1990s)

Born and raised in Toronto, Izzy Camilleri began her journey into fashion in the early 1980s, inspired by a passion for garment construction and a keen eye for detail. Launching her eponymous womenswear line in 1984, Camilleri quickly garnered critical acclaim for her sophisticated tailoring and innovative silhouettes.

Her collections gained international attention, and her Toronto atelier became a destination for celebrities seeking unique, custom-made pieces. By the 1990s, Camilleri had established herself as a trusted designer for red carpet events and editorial shoots, setting the stage for her eventual crossover into collaborating with costume designers for screen.

Crafting Iconic Screen Moments

Camilleri’s reputation for excellence led to collaborations with major international filmmakers and wardrobe departments. Her expertise as a “costume engineer” was sought after by directors and designers looking to merge storytelling with technical ingenuity. Among her most celebrated works is the creation of the iconic “red fur coat” worn by Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada, a symbol of cinematic style.

Her clientele includes David Bowie (notably for Dead Man Walking), Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, and Daniel Radcliffe. Camilleri’s versatility is evident in her seamless transition between genres: for period productions such as Frankenstein, she constructed thirty versions of a shredded professor’s coat, mastering historical accuracy and wearability. Her contemporary work, including Cosmopolis and The Wrestler, further showcases her adaptability.

Pioneering Inclusivity: Adaptive Fashion and Advocacy

Perhaps Camilleri’s most profound legacy is her trailblazing work in adaptive clothing, a discipline she revolutionized after a 2004 custom request from a wheelchair user. This experience catalyzed her commitment to “seated design,” focusing on the unique needs of individuals who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. In 2009, she launched IZ Adaptive, a fashion line dedicated to stylish, functional clothing for people with physical disabilities. The collection introduced solutions such as seamless-back pants, bottomless coats, and features like magnetic closures and wrap-waist jeans.

Camilleri’s adaptive designs were honoured with a six-month solo exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in 2014, titled Fashion Follows Form: Designs for Sitting. This landmark event brought unprecedented attention to the intersection of fashion and accessibility, positioning Camilleri as a leader in inclusive design. Further raising public awareness, she serves as Style Expert on the television show Fashion DIS, guiding transformative makeovers for individuals with disabilities. This advocacy has inspired both peers and consumers, reinforcing Camilleri as a force for change and inclusivity.

Champion for Canadian Creative Communities

Camilleri’s influence extends beyond her individual achievements. She is recognized as a collaborative innovator and mentor within the Canadian creative sector. In 2022, she was part of the CAFTCAD Award-winning team for “Styling / Design in Music Videos & Commercials” for her work on Dam Ridiculous. Her dedication to Canadian culture is further demonstrated by her design of the metallic suits worn by Gord Downie during The Tragically Hip’s final Man Machine Poem tour in 2016—a moment now etched in the country’s collective memory.

Committed to nurturing the next generation, Camilleri has served as a CAFTCAD board member and instructor for industry courses, sharing her expertise in garment construction, design theory, and adaptive solutions. Her mentorship has empowered countless emerging designers and costume professionals.

Entrepreneurial Innovation: Brand Leadership and New Frontiers

Beyond screen and adaptive fashion, Camilleri has launched several influential brands. IZMA, a collaboration with Adrian Mainella, focused on sustainable luxury, utilizing Canadian wild fur in modern, responsible ways. MIZ, another venture, was a fashion-forward line for female Boomers, debuting at World MasterCard Fashion Week.

In September 2025, Silverts, a leading retailer in adaptive apparel, acquired IZ Adaptive, with Camilleri taking on the role of Chief Design Officer for both brands. This partnership marks a new chapter in her mission to scale inclusive fashion globally.

Recognition and Awards

Camilleri’s technical skill and leadership have been celebrated with numerous honours. She is a two-time CAFA winner, earning “Womenswear Designer of the Year” in 2006 and the “Fashion Impact Award” in 2022. The recognition by CAFTCAD as the 2026 Industry Icon is a testament not only to her influence on screen costume design but also to her broader legacy as a “wizard” of garment construction and global advocate for accessible fashion.

Legacy and Lasting Influence

Izzy Camilleri’s career is a testament to the power of creativity, empathy, and fearless innovation. Her garments have shaped pop culture, her advocacy has advanced inclusivity, and her mentorship has lifted the Canadian creative community. As the 2026 CAFTCAD Industry Icon, Camilleri stands as a model for future generations—a designer whose work continues to change lives both on and off the screen.