Northern Threads

Welcome to Making Fashion Academy – Northern Ontario’s first-ever fashion and garment education hub. We offer immersive masterclasses, host the Runway Ready competition, and culminate in a dazzling annual showcase: Northern Threads – A Fashion Gala & Runway Showdown.

Walk the Thread. Wear the Future.

Apply to compete

Register for masterclasse

OUR MISSION

To empower creators of all ages with the skills, tools, and confidence to design, sew, and strut their original fashion pieces—while championing sustainability, cultural storytelling, and local innovation.

Competition Structure

Launch: July 22, 2025

Application Deadline: September 15, 2025

Participants Selected: September 30, 2025

Design Development: October 2025 – April 2026

Final Gala: May 8, 2026

The Five Categories

Fabric Lab: Design your own fabric (print, weave, knit, dye etc)

Cut & Sew: Create a well-constructed wardrobe staple

Rework & Rewear: Upcycle old garments into something bold

Wear the World: Garment inspired by a global textile tradition

Future Maker: High school division (ages 14–18)

What’s Included

Access to Making Fashion Academy masterclasses in your chosen category

guidance from industry mentors throughout the competition period

Promotional exposure via our website, social media, and printed materials

Professional photoshoot + media package

A spot in the live runway show in May 2026

Judging Criteria

Each garment will be scored on:

Craftsmanship

Creativity

Alignment with theme

Personal voice

Presentation and styling

Awards

Category Winners (5)

Judges' Choice

Audience Favourite

Best in Show

5

•

• 5 • Categories •

FABRIC LAB

Create it. Print it. Wear it.
Challenge: Fabric Design

Description:
Design your own fabric — printed, woven, or knit. Whether you’re hand-painting motifs, creating a repeat pattern, or experimenting with texture, this category celebrates the art of textile design.
Judged on: Originality, technical execution, and innovation in fabric creation.

Make It
CUT & SEW

Build it. Fit it. Wear it.
Challenge: Wardrobe Staple

Description:
Construct a wardrobe essential from scratch using professional techniques. Tweak patterns for fit, personalize details, and build a polished garment that could live in your everyday lineup.
Judged on: Craftsmanship, fit, finish, and personal styling.

Make It
REWORK & REWEAR

Reimagine. Reconstruct. Rewear.
Challenge: Upcycled Fashion

Description:
Transform secondhand garments into a bold new creation. From deconstruction to reconstruction, showcase your sustainable creativity by giving clothing a second life.
Judged on: Creativity, sustainability, and visual impact.

Make It
WEAR THE WORLD

Tradition. Vision. Expression.
Challenge: Global Style
Description:
Design a garment inspired by a textile tradition from around the world. Celebrate cultural heritage through silhouette, print, or construction, and tell a story through your piece.
Judged on: Cultural storytelling, interpretation, and craftsmanship.

Make It
FUTURE MAKER

Create Loud. Dream Big. Start Now.
Challenge: Youth Designer Showcase
Eligibility: Open to high school students only (ages 13–18)
Description:
A chance for young creators to shine on the runway. Whether you're hand-sewing your first piece, reworking something old, or experimenting with style, this is your space to show off bold ideas and raw creativity.
Support included: Mentorship, workshops, and guidance to help you every step of the way.
Judged on: Concept and creative voice. — not perfection.

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Inside
our world

Step into a world where creativity stitches together dreams and makes fashion a reality. Our dedicated team of designers pours passion and innovation into each collection, crafting pieces that tell a story and celebrate individuality.

Learn more