At this year’s QFIN conference, Threads of Time, the focus was not just on where fashion is going, but how it evolves over time through storytelling, strategy, and intention.

The day opened with a keynote from Hannah Nasiry, whose career path highlighted how non-linear the fashion industry can be. With a background in corporate development at Deloitte and experience in venture capital through Deloitte Ventures Canada, her entry into fashion was shaped by mostly analytical and strategic work.

Delegates had the opportunity to learn about how those skills translated directly into her current role at Kotn, where she serves as the Chief of Staff. Nasiry emphasized that fashion is not only creative but also deeply operational– behind every product is a layer of data, coordination, and decision-making. The conversation reinforced the idea that understanding both the business and creative sides of fashion is essential to building something that lasts.

Following the keynote, delegates had the chance to connect over cookies from sponsor 23 & Co, creating a more informal space for conversation and Q&A before moving into the panel.

Moderated by Co-Chairs Sofia Leach and Katya Baldwin, the speaker panel brought together a range of perspectives across the industry. The conversation brought in Nasiry, Larysa Nakonecznyj, and Katrina Kryza, alongside insights from Donna Bishop. The discussion felt fluid and conversational, shaped by the panel’s diverse backgrounds and shared understanding of the industry.

There were also moments that made the panel feel especially genuine, including the realization that Donna Bishop and Larysa Nakonecznyj had known each other prior to the event without expecting to cross paths. It added an unplanned, uplifting element to the discussion.

As both the host and interviewer of the Fashion Talks Podcast, Donna’s perspective also shaped the conversation more broadly. Her experience speaking with industry professionals brought a focus on storytelling, positioning fashion not just as a product, but as something tied to culture, identity, and personal narrative.

A key theme that emerged was that there is no single path into fashion. Each speaker had taken a different route, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and transferable skills.

Larysa’s perspective grounded the conversation in the realities of modern brand building. As the founder and CEO of a digital marketing agency focused on brand strategy, content, and growth, she emphasized that while creativity drives attention, it is strategy and data that sustain a brand over time. Understanding customer behavior, retention, and long-term value is what allows brands to build something that lasts beyond trends.

At the same time, Katrina Kryza offered a perspective rooted in sustainability and vintage fashion from her experience owning Thrifty Girl, a small vintage store in Downtown Kingston. Her work focuses on reuse, longevity, and individual style, presenting an alternative to fast-paced trend cycles.

When the discussion turned to Threads of Time, fashion was framed as more than a product. It became a form of communication– something that reflects identity, culture, and the moment we are living in.

In a landscape driven by microtrends, the panelists emphasized the importance of building a clear and consistent brand identity, while also touching on sustainability. The brands that endure are those that evolve with culture without losing their core. At the same time, there was an acknowledgment that while interest in slower, more intentional fashion is growing, consumer behavior is still in transition.

The conference concluded with a case competition focused on sustainability, where delegates applied these ideas in practice. By analyzing brands through a long-term lens, the activity reinforced the importance of thinking beyond trends and toward lasting impact.

To close the day, delegates opened gift bags filled with items from sponsors including Cove, Formula Fig, 23&Co, and many more, which added the fun final touch to the conference.

Threads of Time ultimately reframed how fashion can be understood. In an industry defined by change, the most important question is not what is next, but what will last.

QFIN 2026 Conference Piece: Threads of Time

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