By Wanda Knight
As both a traveller and a fashion enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the cultural stories that cities and countries tell through style. So, when I received an invitation from House of Soli and Blair Bartlett Photography to attend Halifax Fashion Week, I was beyond thrilled.
Produced by The Mills and House of Soli, Halifax Fashion Week (HFW) is far more than a showcase of the latest collections—it’s a movement that places sustainability at its core. Held annually, HFW has secured its place as a pioneer of conscious design and innovation, not only in Nova Scotia but also on the global stage. This year’s theme, Blueprint, paid tribute to the province’s heritage of upcycling, mindful consumption, and the art of “making the most of what you have”—a lifestyle deeply ingrained in the region’s cultural fabric.
A Week of Conscious Creativity
The week-long celebration, held from August 10–17, was a vibrant mix of fashion, culture, and community. HFW set the tone with a Mental Health and Cultural Sensitivity Day, highlighting its holistic approach to fashion—one that values well-being as much as creativity.
Runway shows unfolded across distinctive venues, each with its own flair. From the contemporary ready-to-wear at Richmond Yards to avant-garde showcases at The Local on Gottingen Street, the variety was striking. Among the highlights was the REIMAGINED runway, a celebration of thrifted and upcycled fashion, proving once again that sustainable style can be both chic and visionary.
Spotlighting Local and Global Talent
One of the most compelling aspects of HFW is its ability to bring together a diverse mix of local and international designers. From the debut of a 12-year-old Halifax designer to the refined creations of a French artist, the event provided a stage where fresh voices and seasoned talents alike could shine—always with sustainability at the forefront.
A standout moment was the exclusive solo presentation by Halifax boutique In a Box. The atelier-inspired show emphasised timeless, European-influenced designs over fleeting trends. Featuring versatile workwear and evening looks, the show underscored the value of building a long-lasting wardrobe. Notably, In a Box also chose to spotlight older models, a refreshing and powerful gesture that challenged conventional fashion norms and reaffirmed that elegance transcends age.
Beyond the Runway: Building Community
HFW’s impact extended well beyond the catwalk. Events such as the Industry Networking Night and the House of Soli Fundraiser highlighted collaboration, philanthropy, and the importance of giving back. The week concluded with Couture Closing Night at the Lighthouse Arts Centre, alongside the Soli Market, an interactive pop-up where designers connected directly with the public—an initiative that not only reduced waste but also fostered meaningful connections between creators and consumers.
By embracing sustainability not as a trend but as a blueprint for the future, Halifax Fashion Week is spearheading a shift toward more mindful and enduring fashion choices. It’s a reflection of Halifax’s creative spirit and a reminder that fashion can be both innovative and impactful.
Designers Who Left Their Mark
Halifax Fashion Week featured an impressive lineup of designers, each leaving a distinct impression on the runway while reflecting the event’s theme of sustainability and cultural storytelling.
Nicole Johnson
An East Preston native, Nicole Johnson has worked in the fashion industry for more than two decades. Her designs often focus on uplifting youth and women, giving them a platform to be heard and respected. At HFW, she was featured in the Black Dandyism runway showcase, an event that not only celebrated Black excellence but also highlighted the broader diversity of Halifax’s creative community.
Khush Mizaj
Based in Halifax, Khush Mizaj specialises in ready-to-wear and custom Southeast Asian fashions. The brand’s name, meaning “light-hearted, happy feelings”, reflects its mission to help people feel confident and joyful in their clothing. Rich colours, intricate patterns, and traditional craftsmanship underscored their commitment to diversity, culture, and inclusivity.
Amytis
Halifax-based Amytis offers unique, custom-made clothing tailored to individual needs. The brand focuses on creating one-of-a-kind garments, ensuring buyers receive pieces that are both personal and timeless.
A_Kith
Parisian designer Alice See captivated audiences with her A_Kith collection of extraordinary kimono designs. Using sustainable fabrics from French weavers, she presented a wide range of pieces for men and women. From classic French toile to sheer lace with embroidery, her fabrics and craftsmanship highlighted the potential of sustainable luxury.
Michnat Couture
Founded by Nigerian-born designer Michnat, this Halifax fashion house is known for its custom-made, elegant designs. From formal wear and wedding gowns to pieces featuring African prints, Michnat Couture emphasizes high-quality materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and designs that reflect the unique vision of each client.
Voltage
Designer Victor Agara, a Nigerian-born artist and construction worker by day, has made waves with Voltage. His bold creations are crafted almost entirely from recycled and upcycled materials—primarily discarded grocery bags from stores like Sobeys and Walmart. Known for their vibrant and unconventional aesthetic, Agara’s designs deliver a powerful message against fast fashion. His ultimate goal is to open a wearable art museum in Halifax.
Drunk Gurl
Founded by John Michael, Drunk Gurl is a Halifax-based brand with a history of showcasing at Fashion Week events. Known for its creative and wearable designs, the brand has established longevity and influence within the local fashion scene.
Kaidain Ivy
Filipino-Canadian designer Caitlin Coo is the creative force behind Kaidain Ivy. Her whimsical, sparkly, and fantastical designs serve as a form of self-expression, often transforming personal experiences into art. By collaborating with local artists, she has created representation for under-represented communities while also using her brand to confront hate with creativity.
Esme & Evee
Founded by Madeleine Esmé Villa, Esme & Evee is both a vintage boutique and a champion of sustainable fashion. A spokesmodel for sustainability at HFW, Villa curates second-hand items into striking runway looks, proving vintage can be high fashion. The store’s name honours her Italian immigrant grandparents and her dog, making the brand a blend of personal history and community spirit.
The Silk Route
Created by Cailean Jan, The Silk Route brings the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Kashmir to Halifax. While the boutique is best known for artisanal goods, Jan debuted an exclusive leather bag collection at HFW. Supporting a small team of artisans in India, the brand creates thoughtful products that build cultural bridges.
DB Peralz Designs
Halifax-based DB Peralz Designs specialises in custom designs and tailoring, with a focus on African clothing and accessories. From handbags to bespoke outfits, the designer sources fabrics from family in Africa, ensuring authenticity and cultural connection in every piece.
Morning Walk
Rounding out the roster, Morning Walk showcased fresh, sustainable designs for women, men, and children. The Halifax brand is known for its creative use of fabric and fashion-forward approach, aligning perfectly with HFW’s theme of sustainability.
A Global Imprint
Halifax Fashion Week left me with a lasting impression: fashion truly is global. The event revealed how creativity, sustainability, and culture can merge to tell stories that transcend borders.
A heartfelt thank-you to The Mills Residences, House of Soli, and Blair Bartlett Photography for hosting me during my visit. For travellers and fashion lovers alike, Halifax is a destination worth adding to your list—and attending Fashion Week here is an experience you won’t soon forget.
