FinTech entrepreneur and TV personality Ann Kaplan setting new trends in fashion culture
CEO and President of iFinance, a leading FinTech Company, and Toronto television personality Dr. Ann Kaplan Mulholland (external link, opens in new window) commits to a philanthropic gift to advance social justice within the School of Fashion. The new AnnKM Fashion & Social Impact Initiative will amplify the response to the needs of students from underrepresented communities in the program and further the social mission of the school in alignment with its three guiding principles; inclusion, decolonization, and sustainability.
Dr. Ann Kaplan Mulholland, Finance CEO and television personality. Photo credit: Kayla Rocca
The School of Fashion at The Creative School is recognized as an educational leader shaping the future of the fashion industry (external link, opens in new window) , taking a representative approach to fashion education that better reflects society, and intentionally values the unique perspectives, experiences and skill-sets of its diverse student body. By mobilizing diversity of talent, the school is laying the foundation for progressive change that will reverberate into the industry.
Fashion at The Creative School
Fashion at The Creative School
The AnnKM Fashion & Social Impact Initiative will support institutional inclusion initiatives such as the formation of student groups working towards greater representation in fashion education, speakers from justice-seeking groups and projects that advance the cause of equity, diversity and inclusion. This significant philanthropic gift will not only meaningfully support the next generation of diverse fashion talent but deepen free creative expression in fashion design.
Fashion at The Creative School
Fashion at The Creative School
Self-styled in more ways than one, business woman and fashion enthusiast Ann Kaplan is known for her idiosyncratic and playful sartorial style, and her easy blend of haute couture and DIY. Fans of the Real Housewives of Toronto reality series, which aired in winter 2017 on SliceTV, know her as an authentic and grounded leader with a convivial sense of humour. They may also be familiar with her hosting makeover shows on Global’s Beauty by Design, NYtv and The Ultimate Makeover
Forging her own path, Kaplan has established herself as a successful finance entrepreneur and business leader. Her professional accomplishments have garnered more than 40 business awards, including twice being named Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, and recognition as among Canada’s Top 100 Women in Business, as well as induction into the Hall of Fame as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.
Kaplan was born running but has always maintained a strong sense of self, and promoted self-empowerment as a successful author and public speaker. She believes in fashion as a creative form of self-expression, but that ‘who we are, what we say and what we do’ is what truly defines us. For Kaplan, in this case, the ‘doing’ will help support the next diverse generation of design leaders to launch fashion careers that will shape the future of fashion.
Q & A with Ann Kaplan:
Fashion has defined you publicly in a way that exudes authenticity and creativity! This gift will support a myriad of visions for what fashion can be. What does fashion mean to you and what do you hope it can bring to the next generation of fashion creatives?
Fashion (today) is presenting your own style - it is making a statement, but now, more than ever, fashion is an opportunity to express your values and what you represent.
Fashion is inherently creative, but business innovation and ingenuity require creativity as well, what are your thoughts on creativity?
These days, to be strong in business, you need to be creative, you need to think outside the box and find solutions, and you need to be inclusive.
Why did you choose to support social justice initiatives in fashion?
I want to support the many voices of today that feel the need to express their beliefs and tolerances - supporting the fashion industry provides an opportunity for many voices.
The Creative School at Ryerson University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.