Ice crystals, better known as snowflakes, make for a whimsical winter tale—but this is one fable founded in cold hard fact. Apart from perpetuating Canadianisms and a subconscious love of holiday commercialism, snow is complicated, close to home and, of course, icy cool. “It’s a story of many facets,” says snowflake specialist Kenneth Libbrecht, professor […]
Beth Brown
Beth Brown is a journalism student at
the University of King’s College.
What’s in a name: The Wooden Monkey
Haligonians go ape-shit for the locally focused organic fare at The Wooden Monkey. While satisfied with its free-range, vegan- and gluten-friendly menu, the Curious George in you would probably like to know where this monkey business got its name. Founder Lil MacPherson dreamed up the Wooden Monkey post-Hurricane Juan, when questioning the reliability of imported […]
Laundry for dummies
You’ve crossed into the river Styx of textiles, a hall of tumultuous water-wheels where your clothing goes to be drowned and resurrected. You even have a pocket full of gold and silver coins to pay the ferryman. This whirling, whirring room is a kaleidoscope of cracks: cracked linoleum seat covers, cracked tile flooring and crackling […]
10 doors to open
Haligonians get to visit places they usually just walk by this weekend at the second annual Doors Open Halifax. Forty venues throughout the city, such as service centres, historic sites and places of worship, are open for the public on June 7 and 8. Doors Open’s founder and president, Hugh MacKay, thought the event would […]
Junk jeopardy
Even the most conscientious environmentalist can be stumped by a broken microwave or tube TV. Since your upcoming Saturdays are slotted for spring cleaning, here’s the low-down on disposing of confusing junk—the stuff that curbs your curbside routine. On top of daily garbage, recycling and green bin materials, HRM requires the separation of household hazardous […]
Going to the dogs
These dogs don’t need anyone to throw them a bone. Their laudable lineage and dedicated trainers make becoming champions feel like a walk in the park. The Dartmouth Kennel Club is hosting their All Breed Shows and Trials this Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11, at Cole Harbour Place. All are welcome to watch […]
Behaviour Apparel
Everyone loves a little acid wash with their teddy bear T, right? Kate Wilton of Behaviour Apparel is all about comfy, casual and camo. Her outfits show personality, pairing graphic pieces with distressed denim or studs. A NSCAD graduate, Wilton founded the line in 2013, producing what she calls “wearable art while maintaining a strong […]
Proper Crooks
Kate Rothschild was an artist without a medium until she took a beginners’ sewing class. And why menswear? People ask her that all the time. “Why not menswear?” she asks. “I like it and it likes me.” Rothschild describes her wearable fashion as “luxe, clean and minimalist,” constructed in classic styles and shapes with high-end […]
Mitch Fraser
Big on pop culture, Mitch Fraser’s designs are influenced mainly by hip-hop, and are extremely wearable. “I’m always trying to challenge myself to take something basic, like the classic T-shirt, and see just how complicated I can make it,” says the NSCAD student. His collections were inspired by the Fast and Furious series and his […]
Alyson Samways
This NSCAD student has been interested in fashion for as long as her memory serves. “I started designing the moment I figured out I could cut up something I already owned and manipulate it into something I liked better,” says Samways. Her clean, minimalist look “considers contemporary art and its effect on fashion trends.” This […]
Thief&Bandit
Amie Cunningham of Thief&Bandit discovered fashion design when she entered a T-shirt art contest. “It was really a bit of a happy accident falling into making and creating this brand,” says Cunningham, who has a masters degree in painting and sculpting. These featured Desert Floral tights would brighten up any rainy day—or that coffee date […]
Cypress & Argon
Ann Ramsay of Cypress & Argon knows all about nights out in Halifax. Native to Tantallon, Ramsay says her floral crop top and black pleather panelled skirt are perfect for a night downtown. “Everyone knows a night out in Halifax could mean everything. You could be at the bar first, you could go out dancing […]

