Originally published in TFI News: May 2009
This year Susan Langdon (right) is celebrating her 15-year anniversary as the executive director of the Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI). Formerly the designer of successful fashion label Zakura, Langdon also taught the likes of TFI Resident alum Joeffer Caoc, David Dixon, Jennifer Halchuk of Mercy and UK-based ex-pat Todd Lynn at her alma mater Ryerson University, and ran her own design and pattern-making company before accepting the position of executive director in 1994. It was the combination of her incredible leadership abilities, her varied experiences, her extensive knowledge of the fashion industry and her gracious interpersonal skills that landed her the role.
Over her 32-year career, Langdon has received many prestigious industry awards and accolades, including the Concours Design Award and the Woolmark Award of Distinction, City of Toronto’s Industry Achievement Award, Ryerson University’s Alumni Award of Distinction, the JoAnna Townsend Award and was one of the first 12 inductees into Ryerson’s Hall of Fame.
Her continuous commitment to the TFI and her outstanding dedication to nurture and promote upcoming design talent has assisted in launching the careers of many well-known Canadian designers. The Toronto Fashion Incubator team would like to congratulate Langdon on her long, successful career. The TFI would not be what it is today without her undying devotion and dedication.
