When it comes to clothing, Halifax is small but mighty.
With the prestigious NSCAD design program, a thriving independent boutique scene, and several home-grown designers conquering the fashion world both nationally and internationally, it’s safe to say that Halifax is the east coast fashion capital of Canada. To kick off the school season, here’s a style primer on the Port City.
Where to go:
The first-hand fashion lover should head to The Mic Mac Mall—a short ferry trip away, and full of some great chain outlets, including Costa Blanca, H&M and BCBG.
Another great locale is The Halifax Shopping Centre. Store options include Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Coach, Swarovski and Winners.
The mall with the least selection is, of course, the most central: Park Lane Mall on Spring Garden Road. Go to City Streets for kicks and urban wear, and Pseudio and Envy for cute night wear.
There’s also a wide range of options for the indie treasure hunter, starting with Biscuit General Store, which has been featured on CBC talk show Steven and Chris, as well as in the pages of Elle Canada.
Head to The Black Market for all the hippy-chic accessories you’ll ever need, at rock bottom prices.
Kick-Ass Shoes has the monopoly on designer women’s shoes in the city, from Badgley Mischka to L.A.M.B.
For great vintage just walk down Queen Street, home to vintage wonderlands Elsie’s, The Clothes Horse and Put Me On. At Elsie’s you’re sure to compile the classics of a hipster wardrobe; at The Clothes Horse you’ll find exquisitely preserved and daring statement pieces, and a trip to Put Me On will get you in touch with the indie designer scene.
Want something more highbrow? Browse the newly opened Twisted Muse, which offers big-city style courtesy of BB Dakota and trendy local designers.
If that’s still not expensive enough for your tastes, try Foreign Affair, a place where fashion-gawkers can ogle artisan pieces from designers such as Alice + Olivia, Elie Tahari, Diane Von Furstenberg and Ca Va De Soi.
Who to meet:
Lisa Drader-Murphy: The most well known Canadian designer currently operating out of Halifax, her designs for her line Turbine were selected for the 2011 Cannes celebrity gifting suite.
Jessica Bradford and Erin Wright: co-bloggers on fashion site Hautehalifax.com.
Chloe and Parris Gordon: NSCAD alumnus Chloe Gordon and sis Parris are the east coast fashion darlings behind line Chloe Comme Parris.
Johanna Gallipeau: the young business wunderkind who brought hit boutiques Sweet Pea and Twisted Muse on to the Port City fashion scene.
Lena Kroeker: Indie designer, whose work has been recognized by Canada’s *Fashion Magazine*. You can find her original pieces at Put Me On.
Pamela McInnis: Another of Hali’s great indie designers, and owner of Put Me On. McInnis is always ready to talk fashion, and show you pieces from her recycled-fabric line, Cranky.
Katrina Tuttle: A young east-coaster currently making waves at Toronto’s LG Fashion Week. Her work is available to browse at Twisted Muse.
What to do:
Write! Try your hand at student publications, like the *Gazette*. And don’t stop there—drop a line to your favourite fashion site and ask if it’s looking for contributors.
Design/Style! Try your hand at designer challenges, such as the one hosted by the Young Alexandra Society. Teaser: last year it was a recycled fashion challenge, with a limited time-frame.
Shop/Window-shop! There’s no better or simpler way of getting to know the Hali style scene.
Mingle! Attend events such as the legendary Turbine fashion showcase, King’s annual charity fashion show hosted by the Young Alexandra Society, and the year-end NSCAD fashion show, presenting looks from a wide range of up-and-coming designers.
*Editor’s note: Rose Behar was a member of the Young Alexandra Society (YAS) during the 2010/2011 school year
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