As global eyes shift towards conscious consumption and climate-conscious choices, Halifax stands proudly at the forefront, not just adapting but trailblazing. This summer, the city will host a series of inspiring events celebrating sustainable business practices, local talent, and creative industries — all grounded in a long-standing ethos of making the most of what’s available.
The spotlight begins on June 11 with Halifax Networking Nights, an evening designed to foster professional growth, spark meaningful connections, and amplify voices shaping a greener, more mindful business landscape. Hosted at the Halifax Central Library, the event will feature Solitha Shortte — a trailblazer in sustainable fashion — as the keynote speaker.
The host of the event and CEO of Networking Naturally, Dalene Allen said that Shortte has transformed the industry from the inside out. “She has always had a focus on local talent, and has given local designers a global platform to go international.”
Allen said, “Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, business owner, or just starting your journey, this is your opportunity to expand your network and hear from local leaders making waves in our community.”
She added that, “I love being introduced to new designers and creatives.“
“Since I came here in 2008, I realized that this region has always practiced sustainability — whether by choice, limited resources, or eco-consciousness,” said Shortte, “Stretching resources and using materials to the best of their ability — that’s not a trend here, it’s a lifestyle.”
The event is one of the stops for The Mills Halifax Fashion Week — a showcase of fashion, innovation, and community impact, rooted deeply in sustainability. “It has been a norm because of the region we are located in,” Shortte continued. “Since 2016, we’ve been adhering to sustainable practices with the designers we work with and production. Now, the rest of the world is catching up — this isn’t clickbait, we’ve been the norm.”
The past Saturday’s casting call for The Mills HFW saw over 200 hopefuls wait for hours for a chance to walk the runway — proof of the excitement building in the community.
For Haligonians who wish to volunteer or purchase tickets, updates will be made on the social media channels.
From Aug. 10-17, The Mills HFW will feature runways, activations, and market events across the city, beginning with a Mental Health and Racial Sensitivity Day led by educator and author Moashella Shortte at Crystal Crescent Beach. Each event during the week will champion sustainability, accountability, and access — spotlighting how conscious design can be both beautiful and impactful.
A standout initiative is the Live Mannequin Activation on Aug. 9, produced by Shortte in partnership with the Spring Garden Area Business Association and the North End Business Association. The week also includes a Creative Industry Night on Aug. 11, a fundraiser on Aug. 12, and free open-access runway shows on Gottigen Street on Aug. 14.
Putting sustainability at the forefront, designers will be talking about how they source their materials. As for the couture pieces, “they are the example of slow fashion that are one-of-a-kind, consciously made pieces,” said Shortte.
“This isn’t just a fashion event,” said Shortte. “It’s a movement.” She says her childhood closet consisted of hand-me-downs and reworking pre-loved garments in the Caribbean to the way fashion is approached here. ”This has always been about stretching the value of what we have. We were thrifting in our siblings’ closets before it became a global trend.”
The event series also honours local icons like Carrie Lamb of Frida Fine Jewelry, who will receive the Designer Icon of the Year Award. Lamb, who studied in London, has elevated Nova Scotia’s jewellery design landscape for over two decades.
From August 13-16, runway shows will feature couture, slow fashion, and conscious collections, including structured designs from local designers like KaidainIvy, Zakrob, Batuo, among others. The week will close with a market on Aug. 17, giving designers a chance to directly sell their collections and avoid unsold inventory — a key step in reducing waste.
“This is a new shift,” said Shortte. “Helping designers move products within the community ensures the clothes don’t just sit in inventory. It keeps fashion alive, relevant, and sustainable.”
Teasing Wednesday’s event at the library, Shortte said that it has been kept open for all to ensure everyone is able to access it. Talking about how collaboration is at the essence of building a sustainable future, “expect a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of time to connect with fellow professionals in the Halifax area.”
As Halifax steps into summer, it also bears the torch of sustainability— not because it was trendy, but because it was necessary, natural, and deeply woven into the cultural fabric. The upcoming events encourage attendees to bring business cards and network with those attending.
This article appears in Jun 1-30, 2025.
