Designers from Halifax to Toronto are set to bring a mix of sustainability, global influence, and self-expression to Prince Edward Island as PEI Fashion Weekend returns May 1 and 2.
Now in its fifth season, the event has grown from a pandemic-era idea into a regional platform connecting emerging and established designers from across Canada and beyond.
Founder and director Julia Campbell said the event began in 2020 at a time when much of the fashion industry had slowed.
“When we started, there were still some restrictions, but we could get, like, 180 people into a venue,” she says. “Everybody had to wear masks. We served as a community event when everything felt very isolated.”
Campbell, who returned to Prince Edward Island after a decade away, said she was struck by creative energy and wanted to create a space to showcase it.
“I was just so gobsmacked and pleasantly surprised at all of the new styles, new fashion, new cultures, new identities that were presenting themselves,” she says.
From the beginning, inclusivity has been central to the event’s vision.
“My whole goal for the show is that anybody in the crowd, no matter their shape, their size, their colour, their ethnicity, they could see somebody on the runway that they could relate to,” Campbell says.
Finding designers in the early years required persistence. Campbell said she relied heavily on social media, direct outreach and closely following both global and regional fashion scenes.
“I send a lot of messages on social media. I email a lot of people. I do a lot of research within the Maritimes,” she said. “I watch New York, Milan, Paris… and I love seeing what’s happening closer to home, too.”
That approach has helped build a diverse lineup, with designers this year travelling from Halifax, Toronto and beyond.
Among them is the team behind Hillary MacMillan, a Toronto-based label known for its focus on ethical production and accessible fashion. Alexandra Danyer, speaking on behalf of the brand, said their design process centres on balancing sustainability with wearability.
“We’re always thinking about how pieces fit into people’s everyday lives while still making a statement,” Danyer says. “For us, it’s about creating something that feels good to wear but also aligns with our values around responsible production.”
Also taking the runway is Victor Agara, a Nigerian-born designer now based in Canada, whose work is shaped by imagination and a commitment to creative freedom. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, Agara’s designs emphasize individuality and storytelling through fashion.
Agara transforms discarded shopping bags and everyday materials into wearable pieces, reimagining waste as fashion. His designs push visual boundaries while highlighting the potential of upcycled materials.
“Through his work, he’s proving that innovation and sustainability can walk hand in hand on the runway,” Campbell says.
For Victor, the fashion journey hasn’t been conventional. He works in construction during the day, dedicating evenings to building his brand.
That balance, he says, is part of what fuels his creativity, turning everyday materials and experiences into bold, personal designs.
His inclusion in PEI Fashion Weekend reflects the event’s broader goal of showcasing designers with unique perspectives and unconventional paths.
Campbell says discovering talent like Agara often comes from keeping a close eye on regional showcases and digital platforms. “I was captivated by his work during last season’s Halifax Fashion Week, and I connected with him shortly after.”
“I love following any pages in the Maritimes, especially to see what people are up to,” she says. “As the years have progressed, it’s definitely been easier to connect with people.”
As PEI Fashion Weekend continues to grow, it is carving out a role as a meeting point for designers across geographies, from Atlantic Canada to international backgrounds, united by a shared focus on creativity and expression.
“And I think that was the beauty of the show,” Campbell says. “I was able to do it the way that I wanted to… and it’s caught on.”
