Last night, the Ocean State was treated to the work of some our most creative, fresh, female designers, Barrington native Kara Wickman and Maria 
Del Carmen Mercado, a Dominican Republic native who now calls Providence home (see an in depth story I wrote on her by CLICKING HERE). The collections shared a toast to feminine form, boasting graceful silhouettes and a cacophony of color.
Wickman’s debut collection, Oui, (fall/winter 2011) was inspired by, “the essence of the Parisian woman: a women who never forgoes chic even though life is on the go.” With delicate cage veils, sky high stilettos, opera gloves and painted faces, the collection captured the very essence of the stylish woman. “Ladylike glamour,” is how she describes the 22 looks that owned the catwalk at the Providence Biltmore. “My collection is sexy and classy. A woman could wear one of my corsets under a blazer with a pencil skirt or pants then take off the jacket and go out for cocktails.”
Diverse textures simultaneously complemented and contrasted a cohesive collection, which incorporated rich fabrics including French lace to fine silks, luxurious velvet and Italian wool. In the January issue of Rhode Island Monthly, Wickman appears in a 2-page spread featuring all of the StyleWeek designers, each with in individual moniker. Wickman is labeled, quite apropos, as “The Glamorous.” “What a flattering label!” she beams. “I designed a collection which I would wear myself and have described as effortless chic. I have always been influenced by the glamour of designers Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta whom I hope I have paid homage to.”
This site will be updated with more looks from Oui soon! PS: I’m honored to wear a piece from Kara Wickman’s show later this week! Which will it be?! I don’t think I can resist the look at the top of the page!
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