Official Selection Committee

  • Elysse Acosta’s passion for fashion began early, launching her journey at just 14 with formal training and client work in makeup, hair, and fashion design. After moving to Toronto in 2019, she quickly immersed herself in the city’s creative scene.

    In 2021, while studying at Studio Fontana, Elysse attended Canadian International Fashion Film Festival’s first post-pandemic event, an experience that sparked her commitment to the world of fashion film and creative collaboration.

    She further refined her expertise through the International Image Institute’s Colour Analysis certification (2022–2023), blending technical precision with a personalized approach to styling. Elysse has since collaborated with industry names such as Gianni Scumaci and Electric London, contributing to high-profile events and workshops across Toronto.

    Expanding beyond the salon, she has worked as a Makeup & Hair Director, leading teams for fashion shows and private events. With a strong foundation in colour theory, styling, and design, Elysse continues to build a dynamic career across hairstyling, makeup, and fashion.

  • Born in India, raised in Dubai, and shaped by life in Montreal before moving to Toronto in 2014, Rashi Bindra brings a rich cultural perspective to her work as an award-winning creative director, stylist, and costume designer. A recipient of the Marty Award in Fashion, she has collaborated with global brands to craft transformative narratives that blend heritage with modernity. 

    Their two years as a co-host of a fashion podcast showcased their ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences through meaningful conversations. With big dreams, Rashi is building a career that transcends borders, combining luxury, connection, and authenticity to uplift and empower others on an international scale.

  • Born in England of Royal Stewart blood and the son of a successful lawyer, Robin started his hairdressing career in the sixties and was managing a salon within two years. He emigrated to Canada, eventually becoming head stylist of Gus Caruso’s, Toronto’s number one salon.

    In 1971 Robin Barker opened his own business, which became the first salon where makeovers became an integral part of the service. At this time, Robin gave Moses Znaimer, the co-founder of CityTV, an idea for a TV show, which became City Line. Robin was a regular on the show for over 30 years.

    Robin was also a long time member of Intercoiffure and the official hairdresser for the Miss Universe Canada Pageant for many years. Robin has received many accolades and awards including Imagine Mirror Awards, the Contessa, plus the coveted Gus Caruso. Much of Robin’s time has been charity driven.

  • As Director of Photography for CANIFFF, Jenn is a creative based west of Toronto. After earning a Degree in Philosophy and Political Science Jenn moved to Yucatan, Mexico. She learned the language and developed a deep appreciation of the Mexican and Mayan cultures and an affinity for its people.

    Upon returning to Canada she studied Photography at Sheridan College and has been working as a Photographer since. Jenn’s work has been seen in National and International publications and featured in exhibits including Make it Fashion for TIFF x FAT at the Bell Lightbox.

  • Jorge Joao is an acclaimed Celebrity Hair Stylist who spends his time with his award-winning salon KOI Hair Studio. He’s also involved in different fashion weeks, editorial work, educational programs and touring as an International Redken Artist. For 18 seasons he has led an elite team at Toronto Fashion Week. He is also part of Fashion Weeks in New York, Milan, Paris, and many more.

    You can catch him on Cityline morning show as one of their celebrity/hair experts. He is published in major industry publications such as Fashion Magazine, Elle Canada, Vogue and many more.

    He is the in-house educator at the Redken Exchange in Toronto and New York as well as the winner of both a Contessa and a Mirror Award – two of the highest honours paid to hair stylists in Canada.

    Jorge regularly appears on stages throughout the world where he loves to share his knowledge, experience and passion for hairstyling with other industry professionals.

  • Born in the Czech Republic, Copps always had a flair for the creative. She studied fashion and artistic programs at George Brown College and photography at New York Institute of Photography. In 2019, the culmination of her passion for fashion design, bringing people together, and entertainment was brought to life in Fashion Shoot Extravaganza™.

    Marie Copps resides in Toronto, Canada and is known for her elaborate couture neckpieces and dazzling millinery and jewellery creations.

    Her exquisite work has not only been seen on Toronto stages but also at the Redken Symposium in Las Vegas and Dallas, as well as the L’Oréal Professionnel, shows in Bogota, Singapore, Melbourne, Prague, Madrid and Rome. Her dignified gowns have been a part of the Beauty Pageant Česká Miss in the Czech Republic, and her statement jewellery pieces were featured in the short film “Mirror”, which was selected for the Canadian International Fashion Film Festival 2018.

  • Lisa Moore is a Kingston/Toronto-based fashion writer, having worked in the fashion industry for 12 years. She got her start as a set makeup artist and contributor for Fashion Studio Magazine.

    In addition to working as a writer in digital media, she is also a young adult fiction author and currently working on her second novel. Lisa has a deep passion for elevating the Canadian fashion industry and hopes to help build a platform for industry professionals domestically and abroad. She has covered several fashion and entertainment events throughout her professional career including Toronto Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, TIFF, CANIFFF, FGI Toronto, TW, TOM and Fashion Art Toronto.

  • Tulin Sallabank is a multi-disciplinary creative and entrepreneur. Tulin is the founder and designer of Canadian slow fashion label "ooobaby luxe handbags". Her brand has been seen in multi media and top Canadian Series & films such as the Handmaid’s Tale, Workin Moms and Through Black Spruce.

    Tulin is a member of the Fashion Group International, Toronto Fashion Incubator, collaborating, supporting, and working with all aspects of the fashion industry.

    She is extremely passionate about the role fashion has in the film industry today!