Scotiabank's Giller Prize-Nominated Books Star in Fashion Forward Lookbook

Born from the insight that tastemakers are frequently asked, “Who are you wearing?” and not “Who are you reading?” – this year’s Scotiabank Giller Prize campaign aims to speak to a new generation of bibliophiles, tapping into fashion and style to reinvigorate the highbrow booklist. 

Introducing the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize Lookbook, an editorial collection of fashion-forward photos, featuring this year’s shortlisted titles as must-have statement pieces. 

Photographed by duo Saty & Pratha, the 'Book Lookbook' relaunches the Scotiabank Giller Prize with an elevated look and feel. Inspired by their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, Saty & Pratha champion a unique and inclusive concept of beauty making them the perfect pair to bring the Lookbook alive. 

Adding to the elevated look and feel, stylist Shea Hurley curated all of the looks in the Lookbook, gravitating towards high-quality fabrics and textures while bringing a feminine touch to more masculine silhouettes. 

All of the images in the Lookbook were set to the backdrop of The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. Utilising Salon 3, Salon 4 and the Library Room (ironic?), the setting captured the essence of the Scotiabank Giller Prize through its rich history and collegiate look and feel.

As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, casting diverse models was paramount for Scotiabank. Recognizing the breadth of cultures in Canada, the Lookbook features a cast of models that speak to the diversity seen throughout the country. 

“The Scotiabank Giller Prize has always been more than a booklist, acting as a cultural driver within the Canadian arts and culture scene,” says Laura Curtis Ferrera, global chief marketing officer at Scotiabank. “The Book Lookbook not only celebrates 30 years of recognising the best of Canadian literature, but also elevates and challenges our thinking about what it means to invest in and read a new book. We know that there are so many ways that Canadians passionately express themselves – we are encouraging readers to think about the statement a book makes about themselves, in the same way they think about their own curated style.”

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Scotiabank Giller Prize – so it felt fitting to elevate this year’s campaign to engage the next generation of readers,” says Elana Rabinovich, executive director of the Scotiabank Giller Prize. “Fashion, like literature, is a medium that calls for self-expression and our hope is that this intersection expands the world of books to Canadians across the country.” 

“When we thought about what would resonate with a new generation of readers, we knew that what they wear is ingrained in their identity,” said Randy Stein, creative director at Rethink. “Every piece we wear speaks to something specific about who we are, so what better way to position the books of the Scotiabank Giller Prize than as an essential part of your visual identity.”

Hosted by Rick Mercer, the Scotiabank Giller Prize broadcast announcing this year’s winner is on November 13th at 9PM ET on CBC TV and CBC Gem.