Devotion & Rewards

Marilyn Brooks’ lifelong devotion to improving and promoting the Canadian fashion industry has been recognized with numerous honours and awards. Beyond supporting its designers and mentoring young talent, she has dedicated countless hours to fundraising for causes including AIDS research, UNICEF, Parkinson’s, and the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Her honours include the Order of Ontario in 2000 and the Order of Canada in 2022, two of Canada’s most distinguished civilian honours.

Honours & Recognition

• February 4, 1988 — “Marilyn Brooks Day,” declared by the City of Toronto and awarded by Mayor Art Eggleton, marking 25 years as a major contributor to the Canadian fashion industry
• 1990 — Outstanding Dedication and Service Award, International Academy of Merchandise & Design
• April 8, 1994 — Honoured at the Canadian Hair Stylists CUT-A-THON for Parkinson’s, recognizing her role as National Honorary Chair of the Canadian Hair Stylists
• 1990s — Honoured by the City of Toronto, presented by Mayor Barbara Hall, for her contributions to improving the city
• March 2, 1997 — Salute to the City Honouree, Eaton Centre
• 1999 — Matinee Fashion Foundation grant recipient
• December 12, 2000 — Order of Ontario, recognizing more than 37 years as one of Canada’s leading fashion designers, her industry support and innovation, her mentoring of young talent, and her fundraising support of organizations, causes, and charities
• 2012 — Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, in recognition of her contributions to the Canadian fashion industry
• November 17, 2022 — Order of Canada, in recognition of her leadership as one of Canada’s most iconic fashion designers and retailers, and for her generous mentorship and volunteerism

Awards

• 1966 — Judy Award for Merchandising Excellence (The Unicorn)
• 1969 — Judy Award, Honourable Mention (The Unicorn)
• 1986 — Judy Award for Merchandising Excellence (Marilyn Brooks Boutiques Ltd.)
• 1987 (April) — Woolmark Award of Recognition for Design Excellence
• 1989 — Festival of Fashion, Metropolitan Booth Award for Excellence of Design
• 1993 — Award for Excellence in Fashion Design, City of Toronto
• 1994 — Canadian Designer Award, “Night of Stars,” Fashion Group International
• 1995 — Toronto Ready-to-Wear Canadian Designer Collections Award, in recognition of service and dedication to the Canadian fashion design industry
• 1999 — Best Fashion Designer, NOW Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards