When Solitha Shortte first saw Naomi Campbell in a George Michael music video, something clicked. It wasn’t just about fashion—it was about being seen.
“It was the first time I saw anybody who looked like me. The way she moved with that level of confidence just sparked something in me,” says Solitha. “People even started calling me the Naomi Campbell of our little island.”
That spark turned into a flame that’s fuelled everything since—from tiptoeing through sand in her village of Lower Bay, Bequia (an island in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), to leading one of Halifax’s most dynamic fashion events: Fabric of Our DNA Fashion Show & Awards Ceremony, opens a new window—happening May 2, 2025 at Halifax Central Library.
From the Beaches of Bequia to the Runways of Halifax
Before she became a fashion icon in Nova Scotia, Solitha was a girl on a beach, teaching herself to walk like a model.
“I’d practice my walk on the sand,” she says. “After a while I started to get an audience—the tourists at the resort restaurants—and it gave me so much confidence.”
That confidence eventually carried her to Halifax, where she studied at Mount Saint Vincent University. It’s also where her journey took a new turn. She began modelling, but after noticing a lack of opportunities for diverse representation in the local fashion scene, she created her own space: House of Soli, opens a new window.
Building a Brand on Community
Community has always been at the core of Solitha’s work—from family members who supported her dreams, to the young people she coaches through confidence-building and leadership.
“It takes a village to raise a child—and that’s true in any aspect,” says Solitha.
For her, fashion isn’t just about clothing—it’s about storytelling, healing, and empowerment.
“Fashion saved me. My art saved me,” says Solitha. “It’s deeper than surface-level—it truly gave me a lifeline.”
And fashion and art will be at the forefront with runway looks set to hit Halifax Central Library at the Fabric of Our DNA Fashion Show & Awards Ceremony.
The Evolution of Fabric of Our DNA
Fabric of Our DNA started as a one-time fundraiser for Afrocentric students at Mount Saint Vincent University has grown into a two-day, city-wide event.
This year’s edition, opens a new window will take over Halifax Central Library as part of our African Heritage celebrations (which we honour year-round) with a full runway showcase. This year’s edition will include a full runway showcase, mannequin presentations, and the launch of the very first FODNA Awards.
The following day, a showcase on May 3—just across the street from Halifax Central Library at The Doyle—will continue the celebration of fashion and culture.
“This is our flagship event,” Solitha says. “It’s about honouring where we come from, while creating space for all cultures and all identities to shine. This year, we’re really leaning into that.”
The Library as Runway
For the first time, Fabric of Our DNA is partnering with Halifax Public Libraries in a big way—transforming the first floor of Halifax Central Library into a living, breathing runway.
And not just any runway.
“We become part of the fibre of the Library,” says Solitha. “Every person who walks is telling a different story. Every book, novel or any magazine that you pick up, you're able to sort of take yourself into those spaces from an imagination standpoint, that's what we're doing with the runway as well.”
Her major goal is to turn the Library into a place of fashion, imagination, and belonging.
“When the models saw the space for the first time, the light in their eyes said it all. It changed how they saw the Library” says Soiltha. “That’s exactly what we want for everyone who attends.”
A Celebration of Black Dandyism
The theme for this year? Black Dandyism, opens a new window—a bold, elegant fashion tradition rooted in Black expression and joy.
“Black dandyism pays homage to how Black fashion, and particularly Black men—even further than that, how gay Black men would dress and the influence and the impact that they've had on fashion—were able to express themselves,” says Solitha. “Whether it was the shape, the colours, the mixture—it all went back to that tailored structured look.”
In fact, the timing couldn’t be more fitting—the theme is also making waves internationally at this year’s Met Gala. For Solitha, that alignment was intentional.
“Nobody really talks about the influence of Black fashion on the global industry,” she says. “If the international community is paying homage to it, we wanted to make sure we do, too.”
Meet the Designers
The Fabric of Our DNA Fashion Show & Awards Ceremony, opens a new window, happening at Halifax Central Library on May 2, will serve looks that blend couture, avant-garde, ready-to-wear, and thrifted fashion — all with a focus on sustainability and second-hand love.
“Fashion doesn’t always have to be brand new,” says Solitha. “The designers in the full showcase for this year, they each bring their own interpretation of what Black Dandyism is.”
This year’s lineup includes the following designers:
- INIQUE by Tara Lyn, opens a new window
- KingsPIER Vintage, opens a new window
- Venture Thrift, opens a new window
- Khush Mizaj, opens a new window
- Nicole Johnson, opens a new window
- House of Soli, opens a new window
The show’s designer lineup celebrates self-expression and legacy—everyone bringing their own unique flavour.
What to Expect on May 2
Expect fashion. Expect storytelling. Expect joy. Expect a celebration of community that uplifts, educates, and inspires.
“There’ll be something for everyone,” she says. “Whether you’re five or 95, this show is for you.”
And if there’s one message she hopes people take home?
“I’m enough. I belong.”
Get your free tickets for The Fabric of Our DNA, opens a new window happening at Halifax Central Library on Friday, May 2, 2025
Follow @hfxpublib, opens a new window and @house_of_soli, opens a new window on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes sneak peeks.
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