In a celebration of fashion, community, and representation, VIONNE Magazine is launching its first cover right here in Halifax.
The exclusive launch party is being hosted at Ela Lani Hair Salon and Spa, a vibrant and culturally-rooted salon owned by Pearl Ejelike, a multi-hyphenate creative, entrepreneur, and the mastermind behind the signature hairstyles featured in the shoot.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ejelike shared her emotional connection to the project. “This event being hosted in my salon is personal — it’s proof of growth, resilience, and a dream come true for little Pearl, who once told everyone she’d be in a magazine one day.”
As a Black woman business owner, Ejelike reflected on the challenges she’s faced. “There was a time when I was afraid to be the face of my own business. I would ask my white staff to represent the brand publicly.” But she says through healing she moved past that. “I’ve learned; even if you tuck a candle under the bed, it still shines. And I will shine.”
For Ejelike, the evening isn’t just about a launch — it’s a love letter to her daughters and every young girl who needs to see herself reflected in spaces of beauty and power.
Matéo Perussé-Shortte, communications director for The House of Soli, said, “this launch marks a major shift in how the industry views Halifax. Publications are no longer just watching; they’re sourcing talent directly from here. This validates what we’ve always known, that the creative community in this city is rich, competitive, and global in quality.”
The cover’s creation was the result of a unique collaboration between Perussé-Shortte’s team and the magazine’s editorial team.
The partnership began when Blair Bartlett, caught the eye of VIONNE’s editorial team. His work brought together a diverse cast of models, styles, and stories, all framed by Halifax’s fresh and rising fashion scene.
“This collaboration is more than just a photoshoot…It’s a declaration. Access to the industry isn’t something we are chasing anymore, we are building it right here,” Perussé-Shortte said.
With a dress code inspired by polo prep, the VIONNE Magazine cover launch promises an unforgettable evening of celebration, style, and storytelling, signalling a new chapter for Halifax. One where diversity, talent, beauty, brains, and belonging can coexist on the global stage.
One of the cover models is Juliana Stevaux, a Brazilian-Canadian who immigrated to Canada at age five and grew up in Bridgewater, NS. Stevaux says the theme of the shoot, described as “Gossip Girl meets main character energy,” resonated with her.
For Stevaux, the beauty with brains concept of the shoot validated that you can be an “academic weapon” and a model. In school, “I was teased for how I looked. My mom used to show me photos of Brazilian models to remind me I belonged. Being part of this shoot is healing — it’s visibility for girls.”
Stevaux says this cover is for her younger self. “For the girl who never saw herself in a magazine. Now she’s not just in it, she’s on the cover.”
The launch party in Halifax will be held Saturday, July 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Ela Lani Salon and Spa, 5659 Almon St.
Haligonians are invited to attend by RSVPing for the launch party on social media. Organizers say the event will feature contributors speaking about the magazine’s mission and content, reinforcing its commitment to highlighting diverse, creative perspectives from across the East Coast.
This article appears in Jul 1-31, 2025.