Long before Halifax Fashion Week became one of Atlantic Canada’s largest fashion events, Solitha Shortte was producing runway shows driven by her determination, borrowed spaces and money from her own pay cheque. She says Halifax Fashion Week follows that same internationally recognized model. Halifax Fashion Week’s earliest financial backing came from Halifax Civic Events, where Billy Comer became the first external sponsor to support Shortte’s vision after the pandemic. A file picture of Andy Fillmore, who joined Solitha Shortte and members of The House of Soli during a homecoming event celebrating the return of Halifax Fashion Week. This year’s Halifax Fashion Week, running Aug. 8 to 15, marks the event’s fifth anniversary and arrives at a pivotal moment for Atlantic Canada’s fashion industry.