It was a packed house at the Mercedes Benz dealership on Kempt Road in Halifax last night as Atlantic Fashion Week got off to a very stylish start.
Skinny jeans and sky-high heels seemed to be the standard dress code as about 150 people came out to support local design talent.
From designer Sarah McKenna’s funky and highly wearable mini-dresses to the flowing, leather-bound creations offered up by student designers Chloe and Parris Gordon – there was no shortage of variety on the runway.
“Halifax’s fashion culture is well on its way to making its mark on the fashion industry,” AFW director Angela Campagnoni told the crowd. “We’re getting bigger and bigger.”
Student designer Pam Johnston said she was excited to be showing her collection for spring/summer 2010.
“I thought it was a great opportunity,” Johnston said. “It’s important to show your work to the world.”
Originally from Ontario, the 26-year-old said she’d like to remain in the province and launch a women and children’s line after she graduates this winter from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.
“I hope to open up a studio in rural Nova Scotia,” Johnston said. “I’m really interested in sustainable textile fibres, and I’m curious to find out what kind of fibres can grow here.”
Atlantic Fashion Week struts on tonight at the Olympic Centre at the corner of Hunter and Cunard Streets in Halifax. Produced by Halifax modelling agency City Models, AFW is currently in its third season.
