Maria Halfyard

Maria Halfyard is the founder of the Canadian raincoat brand, mernini. Launched in 2020, mernini has quickly penetrated the outerwear market with its distinctive blend of practicality and style. The mernini raincoat seamlessly marries traditional aesthetics with modern detailing, creating pieces that both elevate and protect any outfit from the most inclement weather. With accolades from industry experts and international fashion publications, mernini is rapidly growing across the country and is poised to become a global fashion enterprise.

Maria has been in the research and business development field for over 20 years, primarily working in the maritime and oceans industries. After a burning desire to stay dry in the worst weather, she took a leap and launched her own raincoat brand. As founder, Maria has made appearances on various media platforms, including on The Shopping Channel's Style Matters hosted by Jeanne Beker, CTV National News, BNN Bloomberg, and CBC’s Here and Now. Her brand has also been featured on CTV’s The Social with Erica Wark, in Châtelaine magazine, and more recently in international publications; British Vogue, Tatler, Glamour UK, and Vanity Fair UK.

The collection being featured in the FW 24 Vancouver Fashion Week’s Opening Night is a colourful blend of pieces from the brand’s original collection. Drawing inspiration from Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich maritime culture, the mernini brand embodies the resilience of its people and the vivid tapestries of its natural surroundings.

The worst weather. The best raincoat.