What is
Halifax style?
Halifax style is as diverse as its people. There is no typical
distinct style that screams “HALIFAX!” but there are a few smatterings of looks around the city through its diverse
neighbourhoods.
First, there is the typical “north ender,” with their bikes, vintage glasses and clothing that is loved dearly and fixed with patches, or purchased secondhand, or with rough edges from DIY style experiments—in any combination, of course. Then, on the other extreme, is what I like to call the “nouveau retired,” the class of older woman that looks well-off and has a routine of Coach, LV, Club Monaco, Foreign Affair and Mills. They are styled for comfort, yet usually worthy of Toronto’s Bloor Street West. Oh, and their husbands go to Duggers. Then there’s the “straight off the lookbook” outfitting from the expanding population of international university students with money to burn on shopping extravaganzas to Montreal and Toronto (and in desperate and stressful times, Halifax). That look is spotted with Prada bags, LV wallets, Gucci belts and Chanel clutches, mingling with the acquisitions from Envy, Sweet Pea and Splurge–a happy marriage of style compromises.
Akshay Tyagi is a Halifax artist, designer and stylist who works with the medium of cloth and clothing in a variety of commercial and conceptual elaborations. He graduated from NSCAD University in 2008 with a BFA in Textiles and a Minor in Fashion.
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This article appears in Aug 12-18, 2010.
Your fashion analysis is so true! There are also hybrids: people who are good at pairing vintage with new.
Great Pixs!!
so true TruthBeTold! It’s an up-and-coming trend indeed!
Thank you Matthew! Shaun’s work can be seen on http://www.shaunsimpson.ca !