Fashion

My First Fashion Week Experience

This summer, I walked in my first ever fashion week – and it was amazing.

Halifax Fashion Week is not only an event, but a representation of the amazing art that exists right here in Nova Scotia. Fashion Week was hosted by Soli Productions (@soli.productions) in collaboration with designers that are based here in Nova Scotia, with shows set in the most beautiful places to truly highlight the beauty of our province – as well as the talent in it.

I began modeling in February, so I was extremely nervous when I went to the castings as I was not that experienced yet. However, my dear agent Solitha Shortte assured me to just go out there with confidence and give it all my effort. Modeling has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so I was determined to prove myself and my ability to make my dream come true.

Leaving the castings I was not sure if I was going to get picked. I knew I did well but I try to never set expectations for anything in life. To my surprise, I was picked by some amazing designers to represent their brands – I was over the moon.

Every Thursday there would be runway coaching hosted by Soli Coaching (@soli.coaching on ig) in order to make sure that we were all prepared to put ourselves out there. The energy at Soli Management is truly one of a kind. When walking into my first session, I was unsure of what to expect. I didn’t know how friendly people were going to be, as it is a very competitive job. However, after probably 10 minutes of my first coaching session, I felt the positive energy in the room. Everyone was hyping each other up and being unapologetically themselves. After the first session, I would look forward to every Thursday to be surrounded by such supportive and kind people. I made so many friends that I am so happy to call my Soli family.

I want to write about my experience with each brand I worked for, everything from details of my outfit and the creative process that went behind it. Here we go:

B.A.T.U.O INC (@b.a.t.u.o_)

I had the honor of walking for B.A.T.U.O three times during fashion week and working with the lovely designer, Robert Mbu. Each time we walked a show, Robert encouraged us to show up as the best version of ourselves because his clothing represents power and ambition. On the first night I wore a beautiful navy blue set that was made out of the comfiest material ever. I could wear it all day. The next show, at Crystal Crescent Beach, I was given an eccentric pink one piece swimsuit with flames hand painted by Milla, from ArtHeal Studio (@arthealstudiom). I felt so powerful walking in this suit and the pictures taken in it were some of my favorites. To end it off, the third night was paired with a white jumpsuit that was previously spray painted. This show was so unique because the three models in the middle of the runway got their suits spray painted live, almost like the Bella Hadid Coperni spray on dress moment. Robert and his team at B.A.T.U.O. truly made each model feel special and it’s safe to say it was a pleasure to work with them.

DB Pearlz (@dbpearlzdesigns)

The collection that DB Pearlz put out was absolutely beautiful. Everything from the colors to the patterns to the silhouettes of each piece. My piece was a beautiful, off-the-shoulder romper that made me feel so elegant. Everyone’s outfit complimented them and every single piece shined on each model. I felt so beautiful walking down the runway and it was definitely thanks to the design.

MichNat (@michnatfashion)

Red is one of my favorite colors, and MichNat’s designer, Funmilayo Odeniyi, must’ve known that. She created this ethereal dress in a gorgeous hue of red. The minute I tried it on in the fitting, it put a smile on my face. Funmilayo was so lovely and calming to work with. She told me to not feel nervous and to just get out there and have fun, which really helped with my nerves the first time I walked down a runway.

Playwear (@playwear_canada)

I had the pleasure of walking for Playwear twice this fashion week. Playwear designs and creates clothing out of repurposed sails from boats which is absolutely amazing for our environment and promotes sustainable fashion. Having grown up on the South Shore, this show felt like home. The energy was so positive and heartwarming. Since I am relatively new to the agency and modeling in general, I found this show was really a bonding moment for the models. The setting being the Chester Yacht Club really made the show come to life. My outfit was a gorgeous orange poncho dress accessorized with a Playwear bag (that’s insulated too) and wow did I ever love wearing it. The color was so beautiful. I am beyond excited to work with Playwear in future endeavors.

Alfa Swimwear (@alfaswimwear)

I had known about ALFA before the show due to TikTok and Instagram. The minute I first clicked on their page I fell in love with the aesthetic and femininity of the brand. Each piece is handmade by Callista Desousa (@callista.desousa) and the suits are made for all sizes. The leopard print bikini I wore was the comfiest bikini I have ever worn and it hugged my curves perfectly. I recommend this bikini brand to all my gals in Halifax. They are truly made for everybody.

Donn Sabean (@donnsabean)

Donn Sabean uses her own dyes and silks to create her beautiful designs. When I went to my first fitting with Donn, it was such a peaceful and calming environment to be in. We tried a few different options but eventually settled on the outfit below. We adored this outfit because of its high slit and I felt like a goddess walking in it. Donn uses handmade dyes (which she makes herself) and either her own silk or vintage fabric. The craft behind her pieces are truly what makes them one of a kind. It was an honor to walk for her.

Inque by Tara Taylor

Inque by Tara Taylor is a jewelry brand that makes pieces out of resin, which really allows the creativity to flow when these pieces are being made. I had the honor of wearing a gorgeous resin bodice with colors inspired by the flag of my home country, Brasil. At the fitting, myself and Tara both came up with this idea and she put it together beautifully. It was an honor to represent this amazing brand and my home country all in one.

It’s safe to say that this was a dream come true for me and I could not have wished for a better experience. I will always treasure this Halifax Fashion Week as it was truly special and one of a kind.

P.S: Solitha, thank you for making my dreams come true

And thank you to @beatbybriannav @__glambyjam @jaclyngracehair and @thecolourbar_hfx for making me look beautiful

See you in Paris!