StyleWeek Northeast came strutting into Boston as "StyleWeek Interim" last night for a successful first round of runway shows featuring PINI by Nick Pini, Chances R Designs by Toni Lyn Spaziano, and Yellow Clover by Sarah Prost.
Having launched in 2010 as StyleWeek Providence, the team of talented entrepreneurs have taken what began in one city to an entirely new level. Since its inception, StyleWeek Providence became StyleWeek Northeast, as they’re expanding rapidly and producing shows all around the Northeast region by providing a vehicle for emerging designers to showcase their collections and build their brand. Additionally, they’ve gone to produce shows in Miami, and even launched StyleWeek PR, to assist designers and brands with the business end of their careers.
StyleWeek has also been successful in the crowds that attend, as they fill their seats with actual press, buyers, and industry guests. This time around, StyleWeek picked up 9 designers who recently showed collections at their Providence showcase, and brought them to Boston for StyleWeek Interim at the W Hotel.
So, the big question on many people’s minds is how this might conflict with Boston Fashion Week? Technically, it doesn’t. Boston Fashion Week only takes place in September/October to showcase spring collections, with no real opportunity for local emerging designers to present their fall/winter collections. In fact, the Boston Fashion Week team proudly supported the StyleWeek team at both the opening party and last night’s runway shows.
As for the official runway kickoff, fashionable guests were greeted at the W Hotel by specialty cocktails, treats by Hotel Chocolat, and swag from Bliss Spa and Swirl.
James Joseph Salon did a lovely job on their part as well.
Before the shows, guests also had the opportunity to meet with designers Susan Troy, Kara Wickman, & Jess Abernethy to shop their recent collections and learn more about the talented designers themselves.
The runway setup was nicely staged and intimate for all guests to get a good look at the collections. PINI by Nick Pini was up first with a fantastic debut collection full of beautiful feminine pieces, keeping uniformity with light blue, pink, and black. The absolute standouts included pieces made of ostrich feathers and sequins.
Immediately following, Chances R Designs by Toni Lyn Spaziano rocked the runway by taking her conservative, lady-like pieces and adding an edgy twist, offering unique versatility in each piece.
Yellow Clover by Sarah Prost finished off the evening with her Persian-inspired Mirage collection, a nice twist on what she usually does. Prost pulled this off well, without overdramatizing the theme, but rather using hints of unique embroidery, pops of vibrant color, and her always beautifully structural pieces with floating silhouettes.
The models were supplied by Maggie Inc., which was quite refreshing for the crowd to see girls who knew how to walk, unlike many of the models Boston is often faced with. Hats off to Maggie Inc!
Though it was only the first night, it was clearly apparent that StyleWeek has done it again! Congrats to founder Rosanna Ortiz Sinel and her incredible team on what I’m sure is just the beginning of their journey.
