Tiffany's Blue Box Brings Excitement to StyleWeek

An international icon, the Tiffany and Co. blue box is also part of the soon-to-be legendary StyleWeek Providence that begins tomorrow! The thrill of receiving a blue box from Tiffany is one of the most exhilarating feelings (the element of surprise of what is actually in the box is so suspenseful that when the piece of jewelry is finally discovered utter happiness is experienced). And Tiffany and Co., a platinum sponsor for the event, is offering just that happiness to StyleWeek attendees, while raising money to support StyleWeek Providence (a non-profit organization). For $200, anyone can buy a blue box (there are 50 of them); 49 will have a small key pendant while only one will have a small Tiffany and Co. shopping bag charm inside. That lucky person will receive a white gold, larger key pendant valuing at $1,800.

Thinking you need to get your hands on one of these boxes? Well, the sale of the boxes will be during the cocktail hour on Sunday, June 6th. The promotion ends with a dramatic drawing (all buyers get their boxes at once and open them together..so fun) on Saturday, June 12th. Good luck!

Hotel Providence: A Venue for Fashion

In just one week, Hotel Providence is the venue for the Kelly Eident, Samuel Vartan, Andrea Valentini & David Yoo, Maya Luz, Jeff Lahens, Jessica Abernethy and Jonathan Joseph Peters runway shows.

Hardly just the backdrop for Styleweek, Hotel Providence is the place for posh visitors to Providence, thanks to its famed Aspire Restaurant, lush room accommodations and perfect downtown location. (How lucky are we that this luxuriously restored, turn-of-the-century New England-esque building set in an architecturally significant city neighborhood our platinum sponsor and host venue?!)

Nestled in the heart of the Arts and Entertainment District, Hotel Providence is perfectly located to allow StyleWeek attendees to bask in not only fashion shows, but also find late-night entertainment at some of the many theaters in the district, shop the wonderful stores in the neighborhood, or enjoy cocktails at one of many nearby venues.

Hotel Providence offers 80 spacious bedrooms, including 16 suites. It is also home to Aspire Restaurant, a luscious, captivating escape into culinary creations. Aspire has an extensive wine list that allows aficionados to excite their palette. The hotel also features a rooftop terrace where guests can catch a breathtaking view of the Providence skyline.

Attendees of StyleWeek who stay at the Hotel Providence will receive a special rate (just call and tell them you are a guest of StyleWeek for this super-exclusive offer!)

Kevin Aucoin Beauty Hits StyleWeek

>Thanks to Kevin Aucoin Beauty all the faces on the runway this StyleWeek will be strikingly beautiful. All of the cosmetics used throughout the week have been generously donated for the makeup artists to use. The company named after its late creator, (Aucoin passed away in 2002), has been continually recognized as an innovative and high-quality makeup brand- a la a reoccurring nominee on Allure Magazine’s Best of Beauty Awards. Aucoin’s legacy is that of a best-selling author, beauty entrepreneur and artist sans the acrylics paints. The company follows Aucoin’sfashions fade but style is eternal. three principles: sophistication, classic beauty and elegance. Moreover, in the word’s of the brand’s creator- “remember, anything worth doing is worth doing right.” Thus, it only seems natural that the cosmetics used on the runways this June is that of elegance, beauty and sophistication, because,

Helping to Find a Cure for Ovarian Cure This StyleWeek

The team behind StyleWeek Providence is not just a group of individuals who enjoy fashion, but they also enjoy giving back. Therefore, it only seems sitting to use StyleWeek Providence as a platform to raise awareness and issues that plague our world. Ovations for a Cure, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for ovarian cancer has been named the official national charity of StyleWeek Providence.

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that gets little attention, even though at least 15,000 women die each year from ovarian cancer. Specifically, in the United States, 1 in 56 women develop ovarian cancer, making that more then 26,000 new cases diagnosed each year. “Amid the many women’s health concerns today, ovarian cancer is too often overlooked, so we are honored to assist in this mission to heighten awareness and combat this deadly disease,” StyleWeek Executive Director Rosanna Sinel Ortiz comments on the partnership. Fittingly, in StyleWeek’s inaugural year, it only seems natural that we would pick a charity that would get the attention it deserves.

Sinel also remarks, “Ovations for the Cure of Ovarian Cancer is an amazing organization that fights to save women’s lives through education and awareness of ovarian cancer.” Believe it or not, the organization was actually founded in 2006 by nine-year ovarian cancer survivor Patricia Franchi Flaherty, who also lost her mother to the disease. For the past 4 years, Patty has dedicated her life to raising awareness of the risk factors and warning signs that are overlooked so no other women would have to endure what she did. (How awesome is she?)

Ovations for a Cure works to combat ovarian cancer by educating women in three ways. First, by providing critical funding of new and ongoing ovarian cancer research and treatment initiatives. Second, by actively increasing the awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms of this silent disease. Third, by giving hope, education and comfort to those currently battling ovarian cancer through its patient programs.

All throughout StyleWeek there will be after-parties at hotels such as Hotel Providence and Renaissance Hotel. Attendees will be able to raise funds for the organizations by going to the various venues where they will mingle with the designers, celebrate the fashion, and see the evening’s runway shows broadcast on big screens, but they will be able to raise money for this incredible organization.

The Voices & Vision Behind StyleWeek Providence

As StyleWeek Providence grows in scope and excitement, those of us involved find ourselves increasingly asked about its origin. A city or state initiative? (negative) An off-shoot of Rhode Island’s business establishment? (nope) A part of RISD? (not at all).

Which leads to: then, what? And, more importantly, WHO is behind this?

Well, perhaps hard to believe (given how the event has already become fodder for national publicity) but—like most great ideas—StyleWeek Providence was borne of one fabulous woman’s thought (which she tentatively shared with friends last summer):

"How does such a gorgeous old city, in a region with a strong legacy for a creativity, and so many amazing designers, not have a proper showcase for that talent and culture?"

Turns out, it was the same question we all had, but hadn’t yet figured out how to articulate!

While we know, support and respect those who highlight the area’s fashion with fun (and often late-night) parties, why wasn’t anyone promoting the serious business of fashion, and combining it correctly with the region’s cultural gems on a larger, community-wide scale?

Enter the dynamos behind StyleWeek Providence! The story…

StyleWeek Providence was the brainchild of Rosanna Ortiz Sinel. Rosanna, a Southern California native, relocated to Providence in 2009 after long stints in Boston and Washington, D.C. Finding herself in a beautiful city, surrounded by creativity, she wondered why and how Providence wasn’t more firmly on the national map for fashion and design. How could a city with so much telent be so fragmented? From there, Rosanna began sharing that initial thought with others, a mix of locals and transplants like her.

Myself, for one... A long-time New York fashion journalist, I’d recently relocated to the Ocean State and, oddly enough, had a similar epiphany about the region’s cultural and creative community. My reaction was to found Miamore Communications, a boutique public relations agency for luxury and lifestyle firms. But, when Rosanna and I met for a coffee on a fateful day and she mentioned the idea, I nearly jumped off my chair. I returned home and wrote an endless email to her with ideas… and thus began what has become an on-going (and, surely for Rosanna, annoying) StyleWeek Providence tradition of my bombarding with (sometimes over-exuberant) marketing, organizational, and promotional ideas. Today, my agency, Miamore Communications, is a StyleWeek Providence sponsor and I serve as either partner; Communications, Public Relations & Marketing Director or (depending on the day, I know) a big pain in the neck with my incessant "ANOTHER IDEA!" emails.

StyleWeek Providence has a host of additional talented and driven creatives helping to transition it from a dream to a reality. We have our partners, sponsors, designers and venues, of course, but there is also a group of lesser-known brains driving StyleWeek Providence. They include:

Raphael Rawlins, Artistic Director. Raphael, a former Bobbi Brown artist in New York City, is an a-m-a-z-i-n-g-l-y talented hair and make-up artist with a long resume on major projects in New York and New England. With extensive artistic experience, Raphael has contributed fabulous ideas and inspiration thus far… but that is only the beginning. As we edge closer to the event, Raphael will work with each designer, lending his creative eye to all the shows and creating visual celebrations for buyers and media.

Steven Aronis, Assistant, Designer Liaison and Sanity Keeper. Steven heard about StyleWeek Providence from a Boston agency. A Providence resident, New York native, and recent Rhode Island College grad, Steven—who studied public relations—channeled sheer enthusiasm into what started as an intern position. He soon became an integral member of the StyleWeek Providence team. Steven handles designer relations, assists with public relations, and is the much-needed organizational brain on this creative team.

Lauren DiStefano, Intern. Lauren is a University of Rhode Island senior, and a Miamore Communication intern. Like Steven, her enthusiasm for the project was overwhelming. She’s the voice behind StyleWeek Providence’s active Twitter tweeting and assists in spreading the word about the week via press and social media coverage.

Finally, StyleWeek Providence would be but a fantasy without our team of fantastic liaisons. These key players lend their fabulous ideas, insight and regional contacts… ultimately making StyleWeek Providence the amazing event it is will be! They include:

• Rhode Island. While we have liaisons throughout the region, being our local guru, Rhode Island’s Stephanie Dorazio plays an especially enormous role in bringing StyleWeek Providence to fruition. Stephanie knows our home state, and her passion for StyleWeek Providence is the key force in StyleWeek’s vendor and buyer relationships in the Ocean State. We’d be lost without her insight.
• Greater Boston. Kathleen Golden McAndrew is a Boston insider. A UMass executive and style aficionado, Kathleen brings to StyleWeek Providence her invaluable insight, extensive fashion contacts, and passion for our mission. Boston being our sister city, with so many buyers, media and designers in that region, Kathleen plays an integral role in making StyleWeek a success.
• Connecticut. Cary Panciera is a Connecticut native who has a summer home on Rhode Island’s gorgeous beachfront and, with a passion for fashion and the arts, enthusiastically joined the team as soon as she heard about StyleWeek. Cary is StyleWeek Providence’s liaison in Connecticut.

The team continues to grow, and we’ll keep you posted on additions. If you’d like general information (or contact information for anyone on the team) shoot me an email. Meanwhile, we can’t wait until June… just 133 days until opening night!

Celebrating All That Is Creative in Providence

When Roger Williams founded Providence in 1663, we wonder if he ever imagined it would become such an artistic hub. Doubtful. But, indeed, 347 years later, Providence now bears the tagline: the Creative Capital… and for good reason. While many associate Providence with RISD, Rhode Island School of Design, the premiere arts college founded in 1877, the creative innovation extends far beyond those collegiate walls.

Providence was once the epicenter of all jewelry design; and now, it is an epicenter of all things creative. Home to many writers, chefs, designers, artists, actors and musicians Providence is currently bustling with activity. The city itself is like a painting. All of its neighborhoods are different colors that blend together to make the piece of art: Providence.

This precisely illustrates The Creative Capital as the perfect backdrop for StyleWeek Providence, which highlights the local culture while drawing attention to a city of art. Our aim at StyleWeek is to celebrate that art; not just fashion and style, but all the culture this area offers. Attending StyleWeek in June is not only limiting yourself to fashion and style, but, inviting you to revitalize your creative palette and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of Providence during your stay.

Feeling hungry? Then, delve into the many plentiful restaurants, like the Italian and Mediterranean foods found on Federal Hill. Feeling theatrical? There is no better place to be then the Trinity Repertory Company, a tony-award winning theater. Or, attend a performance by the Festival Ballet Providence. Feeling like you need some good music? The Rhode Island Philharmonic or Opera Providence will do the trick along with the many other quaint bar venues throughout the city.  Feeling a bit artsy? Check out over 80,000 works of art at the RISD Art Museum; AS220, an alternative arts space; Firehouse XIII or The Providence Steelyard.

See, this is the essence of Providence and StyleWeek Providence… the perfect place to explore and be inspired, in keeping with—and celebrating—the city’s creative and cultural legacy. 

From Project Runway... to the StyleWeek Runway

We founded StyleWeek Providence out of a desire to celebrate the creative legacy and design talent in Providence; Rhode Island; and the entire region. Our goal is to promote both the designers and the amazing resources this area offers. And, while we have lined up an amazing roster of designers and partners already, today StyleWeek Providence added local celebrity (or soon-to-be-celebrity!) Jonathan Joseph Peters, a fashion designer that truly epitomizes our reason for being.

Peters is a Rhode Island native and, while you may not already know this talented womenswear designer (a House of Cach veteran), you soon will... as he is a Season 7 participant in the wildly popular Project Runway (premiering on January 14). Peters combines the avant-garde and ready-to-wear in his collections, which beautifully reflect his commitment to the silhouette via color, texture and balance.

Peters will showcase his collection on the StyleWeek runways in June. We hope you'll be with us to see his amazing work (below)! In the meanwhile, tune in to Project Runway to get a sneak peek at why we are so thrilled to have him as part of this fabulous event.

Happy 2010... the inaugural year of Providence's first major fashion week!

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a fabulous New Years Eve, and is ready for an amazing 2010!

The StyleWeek Providence team could not be more excited about 2010, as it marks the inaugural year for what will be a fashion and design tradition, both in New England and anywhere else people are interested in the style: StyleWeek Providence--a week-long celebration of the best emerging (and established) fashion and accessory designers. Sure, many cities have their own little fashion celebrations... and, of course, major fashion capitals like New York have their fantastic Fashion Weeks. So, what is so special about Providence, R.I.? Well, aside from being the creative capital of the America's most historic region, Providence (accurately known as the Renaissance City), is one of the country's most gorgeous and vibrant cities, is long home of the esteemed RISD (est. 1877), and is a traditional hot-bed for artists of various mediums.

StyleWeek Providence celebrates the area's tradition and culture... our designers represent the wider New England region, and our venues are the finest to be found in the Northeast. The week will include runway shows from not-to-be-missed fashion and accessory designers, after-hour parties at the city's best clubs, and events to support local non-profit charities. At its root, however, StyleWeek Providence focuses on commerce and community... our goal is to build business: for talented designers, by encouraging retailers to buy local; and for fantastic venues, by hosting events across the region. Finally, with a broad-based outreach, we aim to generate enthusiasm and recognition--among businesses and the public alike--for the wealth of design and creative talent to be found in Providence, New England's creative capital.

We hope you'll check out our newly-launched website and give us a shout if you are interested in attending or exhibiting.

Meanwhile, best wishes for a happy, healthy and stylish New Year!