Kruger CMO Susan Irving on Why the Cashmere Collection Has Outlasted 23 Years of Brand Campaigns

Media Marketplace logo (transparent ) 328x50

Rep Finder

Media buyers, stop wasting time trying to find the right sales rep?  Turn to the Rep Finder and get connected to our database of the most up-to-date sales contacts fro  Broadcast, OOH, Publishers, Social Networks and more from across Canada.

profectio.com/repfinder


The Cashmere Collection held its 23rd annual fundraiser at a downtown Toronto venue in early October.  The event united Toronto’s business, fashion, and philanthropic leaders in support of breast cancer awareness.

The internationally recognized fundraiser showcased one-of-a-kind couture creations in support of the breast cancer cause, uniting designers, advocates and supporters around a shared goal: helping create a future without breast cancer.

For more than two decades, the program has mobilized Canadians to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, support programs, and advocacy.

Woman in a dark off-shoulder dress speaks at a clear podium with pink breast-cancer ribbon on her chest, microphones nearby on stage.

PR In Canada had a chance to catch up with Susan Irving, Chief Marketing Officer, Kruger Products Inc., as she reflects on how the iconic Cashmere Collection has maintained momentum for over two decades. She emphasizes that the platform's longevity stems from standing for a purpose much larger than a standard marketing campaign: uniting fashion, creativity, and philanthropy to support the breast cancer cause.

Cashmere Collection has run for over two decades now. What is it about this platform that's made it worth investing in year after year, when most brand campaigns have a much shorter shelf life?

Susan - For me, the answer is simple: the Cashmere Collection has always stood for something bigger than a campaign. For 23 years, it has brought together fashion, creativity and philanthropy to support a cause that has touched so many Canadians. While the designs on the runway capture people's attention, what has made this platform last is the meaningful impact behind it. Year after year, it gives people a tangible way to support the breast cancer cause, whether that's through attending the show, voting for their favourite design or purchasing Cashmere products in support of the program. It's also a reflection of who we are as a brand. As Canada's #1 selling bathroom tissue brand, we have the privilege of being part of Canadians' everyday lives, and we believe that comes with a responsibility to make a positive difference in the communities we serve. When a program continues to inspire people, unite partners around a shared purpose and create real impact, that's something worth investing in.

Taking a bathroom tissue brand and building a couture fashion event around it is a bold creative leap. How do you think about connecting an everyday product to something this aspirational — and keeping it credible?

Susan - At first glance, transforming bathroom tissue into couture fashion may seem unexpected, but that's exactly what makes the Cashmere Collection so powerful. It takes a product that Canadians know and use every day and reimagines it in a way that captures attention, sparks conversation and inspires participation. While the creativity of fashion draws people in, the purpose behind the program is what gives it meaning and credibility. That's why the connection feels authentic. When creativity is paired with a genuine purpose, it becomes more than a marketing campaign. It becomes a platform for bringing people together and driving meaningful impact.

The event has raised over five million dollars for breast cancer causes. How do you balance the commercial brand goals with the philanthropic mission so neither one feels bolted on?

Susan - For us, it's never been about balancing the two because they've always been connected. The breast cancer cause is woven into every aspect of the program, from the runway show and voting experience to in-store participation. That creates an opportunity where Canadians can engage with the brand while also contributing to something meaningful. Because of that, we don't think about commercial and philanthropic goals as competing priorities. When Canadians engage with the Collection, they're helping drive awareness, fundraising and participation in the cause. That's what has enabled the program to create meaningful impact while also building a lasting connection with the brand

An event like this is a big annual investment. How do you measure whether it's working, beyond the money raised — and how has what you measure changed over twenty-plus years?

Susan - Raising funds for the breast cancer cause will always be our most important outcome, but we also look at the broader impact we're creating. Success means Canadians are engaging with the program, participating in the campaign, talking about the cause, and helping extend its reach. The Cashmere Collection has always been about more than a single event. It's about creating a national platform that inspires awareness, participation and support for the breast cancer cause year after year.

This year's theme is Symphony, with sixteen Canadian designers. What are you most excited about for this edition, and where do you see the platform going next?

Susan - This year's Symphony theme feels especially meaningful because it reflects what the Cashmere Collection has always done so well: bringing together creativity, collaboration and a shared commitment to the breast cancer cause. The sixteen designers each interpreted the Symphony theme through their own unique lens, creating something both visually striking and deeply meaningful all while showcasing the creativity, passion and talent of Canada's fashion community in support of the breast cancer cause. As for what's next, I think the opportunity is continuing to evolve the experience while staying true to what has always made the Collection special

2026 Cashmere Collection Photo Galleries:

Cocktail Reception

(click to enlarge)

Runway

(click to enlarge)

Photos by George Pimentel

Cashmere Collection has raised over $5.6 million in support of breast cancer awareness, research, and community programs for its charitable partners, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation (QBCF).


Your organization needs the best talent, let PR In Canada help you!




Join other professionals!

Get news, tips and other industry news delivered into your inbox.

#1 source for breaking news about Canada's communications and public relations industry.


Related Stories:


Dave “The Connector” Forde is a 20-year veteran of the Canadian marketing, PR, and tech industries. He is the founder of The Connected One network, including industry news sites Profectio and PR In Canada, and serves as a strategic business advisor. Connect with him on LinkedIn and X.


{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
>