In an era where fashion transcends simple aesthetics to become a powerful medium for cultural exchange, The Canvas is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative fostering a platform for “Fashion Diplomacy.” An innovative program by The Canvas, it leverages fashion as a tool for international collaboration, sustainability, and economic empowerment, bringing together designers, diplomats, and industry leaders under one global vision.

The Canvas is more than a retail platform founded by Devin Gilmartin and Steff Vermeesch, this sustainable multi-brand fashion and lifestyle retailer seamlessly blends physical retail with Web3 technology, creating a unique space for conscious consumers and independent designers. With several locations in New York City, including a flagship store at the Westfield Shops at The Oculus World Trade Center, The Canvas has quickly established itself as a leader in ethical retail.

Having a compounding effect on its business model, The Canvas’ Fashion Diplomacy Program hopes to provide the same service. Fashion Diplomacy redefines traditional diplomacy by fostering cross-cultural collaborations through fashion. By partnering with governments, trade ministries, and cultural institutions, The Canvas provides a platform for emerging designers to showcase their work internationally.

Spotlighting Turkish Designers

The latest chapter of this initiative unfolded on February 13, 2025. At the Turkish House, in the Republic of Türkiye’s General Consulate in New York, The Canvas and Columba NY presented "Ten," an exhibition featuring 10 emerging Turkish designers, including Pınar Öktem Doğan, Saint Ones, Elif Cigizoglu, Kutnia, Emelda, and Birelin Couture, to name a few.

The event, attended by over 300 guests, including ambassadors, cultural attachés, and fashion leaders, highlighted Turkey’s rich textile heritage while fostering new business opportunities for designers in the U.S. market. Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, The Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in New York, emphasized the importance of such initiatives stating, “Fashion diplomacy transcends borders, bringing people together beyond politics. We are thrilled to establish the Turkish House as a hub for cultural exchange and look forward to more collaborations with The Canvas and Columba New York.”

This is not The Canvas’ first foray into fashion diplomacy, as previous partnerships include collaborations with Colombia’s Procolombia Agency, the Republic of Estonia, showcasing Estonian designers during NYFW 2023, and Kazakhstan’s National Parks, demonstrating a strong track record of merging fashion with cultural and diplomatic initiatives.

“Fashion, in its unique way, allows us to be ambassadors of our heritage while communicating where we want to go. In a divided world, these connections are more vital than ever,” Devin Gilmartin, CEO of The Canvas, said during his remarks at the event.

Marilin Tammsaar, Head of Retail at The Canvas and Spouse of the Estonian Ambassador to the UN, added, “Fashion needs diplomacy to amplify its message, and diplomacy needs fashion to create deeper connections. Together, they generate immense value.”

Following the Turkish showcase, The Canvas will feature Turkish designers at its World Trade Center flagship store, marking the second nation-based curation after Estonia. Additionally, the brand is set to announce a new downtown NYC location as it continues to expand globally. The Fashion Diplomacy Program stands as a testament to the power of sustainable fashion in bridging cultures, economies, and people.