Fashion, put it all on me

One thing I haven't discussed much on this blog is fashion - which is funny, because fashion is something I really enjoy and, well, this is a blog where I discuss things I enjoy (generally speaking)! I really love putting outfits together and have a lot of fun with clothes, I devour fashion magazines every month and follow several fashion blogs, any fashion-related tv show or movie I will also devour in most cases.

Something you might not have known about me!

Now, I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which isn't exactly a fashion capital of the world (um, hello, yoga clothes are only to be worn in yoga class! Or at home lounging on the couch!) and I even contemplated a career in the fashion industry (fashion pr or journalism perhaps) for a little while. However, I actually felt I was held back by living somewhere where there wasn't much of a scene. Our fashion scene is still relatively "underground" but it's grown by leaps and bounds in the past few years thanks to some awesome locals.

We now have a bi-annual Atlantic Fashion Week ("Atlantic" referring to the Atlantic region of Canada, aka the Atlantic provinces, which includes NS, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland - for the uninitiated), several local fashion bloggers and journalists bringing attention to the talent we have here in our region, and of course the local talent themselves.

Though most of the rest of the country is completely ignorant to it, we have a huge pool of amazingly creative people at this end of the country. It can be a tough slog for an artist living in our region, since the big cities like Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver tend to steal the spotlight 99% of the time, however, they are starting to take notice and we are starting to step up and demand we be heard, and it's great to finally see this recognition being paid where it's (over)due.

I actually attended a fashion show on Saturday night, which prompted me to write this post. It was put on by a local boutique Pretty Things, specializing in retro, 50's style fashions, and also served as a fundraiser for Adsum House, which is a local women's/children's shelter here. It was full of sass, humour, style, and highlighted gorgeous models at every size, from 6 to 26 - with all of it doused in a healthy helping of pink and glitter. It was a lot of fun, and that experience (along with a quick "boo" in what I feel is one of our best local stores on Sunday afternoon) prompted this post. I was reminded of what a great scene we have here, and felt compelled to highlight it. Here are just a few of the great designers working out of Halifax nowadays:

* KATRINA TUTTLE: http://www.katrinatuttle.com/
I'm personally eyeing this little green number for my next party ensemble (New Year's?). I believe she actually participated in the last Toronto Fashion Week, which is pretty big deal in these parts.

* AKSHAY TYAGI: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Akshay-Tyagi-Conceptual-Fashion-and-Textile-Designer/178952457375?v=wall&ref=mf
His clothes aren't just fashion pieces - they are art; it's clear he's about the art and creativity behind the fashion rather than just clothing people.

*LISA DRADER-MURPHY: http://www.turbine.ca/
This lady has been in the biz for a LONG time, and her clothes are so versatile, they can be dressed up or down however you like and worn for any occasion.

*LOUANNA MURPHY: http://www.fashionmagazine.com/blogs/tag/louanna-murphy/
She's a rising star on the scene, having won a Project-Runway-style competition held here last Fall. I actually interviewed her a few months back for a local fashion magazine that was just starting up and she's lovely - she's going places too! Check out the amazing outfits above inspired by exotic birds!

* KIMBERLEY MUNSON: http://www.orphanageclothing.com/
KM makes all of her clothing by cutting up and re-imagining existing shirts and pants. Her shirts are really fun and edgy, with a bit of a retro sensibility to them.

There are many more local designers than the ones I've mentioned above, but these are just a few highlights. Even though I didn't pursue a career in fashion, it's still a hobby that I very much enjoy, and these amazing locals make it that much more fun for me.