StyleWeek Providence Runway Inspiration as Seen on The Rhode Show

The runways are alive at the Providence Biltmore as the show-stopping fashions seen at StyleWeek are the talk of the town, and I went to The Rhode Show this morning with some StyleWeek-inspired shoes and accessories. (There was much hometown pride in the house when Tiverton’s own Nicole Lebreux, an FIT grad, unveiled a collection last night that showcased vintage-inspired prints in a modern take of classic silhouettes.)  Though designers spend months sketching and constructing garments, the final look goes far beyond the clothing. Hair, make-up, shoes and accessories are all part of the style equation and we have seen some extraordinary pieces sashay down the runway (you can practically hear fashion guru Tim Gunn advising, “Use the accessories wall thoughtfully!”).

Arguably Rhode Island’s best known designer, Jonathan Joseph Peters crafted a collection that earned explosive applause during his opening night show with looks he described as a “wandering warrior gypsy” and “post-apocalyptic”  which included feathers, chains, medallions and tribal influences (accessories by House of Cach). I brought chandelier earrings, bib necklaces and chunky cuffs from Newport’s Sequin, and a bamboo clutch and double-roped belt from J. McLaughlin,  to capture an inspired look by Peters.

Whether you call them shooties or booties, the chunky shoe was all over the runway this StyleWeek (like these ones by Sam Edelman from Active Sole in Newport). For a more understated approach, designers paired looks with a subtle nude stiletto—always sexy and a handy wardrobe staple—with ensembles, like the pair I brought this morning also by Sam Edelman.

On opening night, Selahdor by David Chum juxtaposed ultra-feminine frocks with decidedly masculine-inspired footwear for women. I found the exact same look with this Lola Brogue Oxford for women from Rockport in Newport–amazing!

Stylist extraordinaire Christina K. Pierce gave me the scoop the common thread woven throughout many of the shows she’s working with (which includes Nicole Lebreux, Candice Wu, Chances R Designs by Toni Lyn Spaziano, Harpy by Jen Greeke and Yellow Clover by Sarah Prost): crystal embellishments! From edgier interpretations with gun metal gray and rich bronze to rich jewel tones, designers brought the bling.

Click the pic below to watch the clip!

Find out more about the StyleWeek Providence designers by clicking here, and see more of design Nicole Lebreux’s collection on our Facebook page!