This past July, local designers showcased their work at the Invest in NEST Fundraiser Runway showcase. Proceeds from the show went to Halifax's North End Startup and Training Program (NEST), established to support Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs and creators. Chamber members like tREv Clothing (as well as MichNatFashion and DB Pearlz Designs) put the spotlight on their style while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Invest in NEST is the perfect example of how Trevor Silver, the designer behind tREv Clothing, builds his brand principles — trust, respect, education, and value — into his work. “The show was successful in fundraising to assist NEST, while also showcasing diverse talent from designers, musicians, and chefs we have here in Halifax,” he says.
On the runway, Silver was able to showcase a timeline of his designs. “What inspired our runway looks were items past and present, with a preview of a future collection I’m currently working on: the CULTURE Collection,” says Silver. “The centerpiece for this collection will be the ‘University of Life’ design, which explores the complexities of education across cultures while advocating for life-long learning.”
Collaboration and community were also key to Silver’s participation in the show. “The ‘Invest in NEST’ Showcase was a collaboration with Solitha Shortte’s ‘Fabric of Our DNA’ Showcase,” he says. Silver met Shortte when they were both starting up businesses; Shortte runs Soli Productions, a talent agency. “I participate in all of Soli Productions’ shows and we collaborate whenever we can,” says Silver.
Silver established tREv Clothing in 2017, with his principles in mind. “My goal from the beginning was for the tREv brand to ultimately be a symbol of success,” he says. “I want the logo and the principles to inspire people to trust, respect, educate, and value themselves and others. I needed the brand to have real meaning beyond the material: an ideal that can act as a guiding light towards our own individual success.”
Alongside these principles, Silver is inspired by the people he works with. “It’s definitely been a grind from the beginning, but beyond the principles, it’s the people who love the tREv brand that keep me going,” he says. “I enjoy creating for them and those who have yet to discover tREv. Whether you see culture, diversity, unity, or love, my intentions with the tREv brand are to inspire success.”
tREv Clothing currently shares a space with Eastcoast Kicks and will be opening a new storefront in the Bedford Place Mall this September. In the meantime, keep updated at:
The Halifax Chamber recognizes the need to create opportunities for those who face systemic barriers within the business community. It is our ongoing priority to ensure participation amongst the broader, more diverse business community. Our SURGE program provides complimentary Chamber memberships to businesses from underrepresented groups who qualify. To learn more, contact Josh Creighton at josh@halifaxchamber.com.
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