Posts tagged ‘Rhode Island fashion designers’
StyleWeek Finale Featuring Sarah Prost, Jess Abernethy & Jonathan Joseph Peters
Local fashionista and style blogger Mia Lupo attended StyleWeek this past Friday featuring designers Sarah Prost, Jess Abernethy and Jonathan Joseph Peters. Her blog, Penser Sourvent (which translated from French means “to think about often), is all about style finds, trends and Newport musings. Check out the amazing gallery of pieces from the StyleWeek Accessories Showcase by CLICKING HERE.
Mia describes the collection presented by Providence’s own Jess Abernethy as “retro-inspired resort wear,” noting Abernethy’s penchant for designs with graphic prints fashioned into classic silhouettes. Headscarves and dramatic makeup polished off each look:
For the finale, Jonathan Joseph Peters presented a collect Mia said was “funky and fresh.” The craftsmanship and detail manifested itself via thoughtful cascading ruffles, feminine necklines, sequin and studs,and surprising elements like intricate back detail:
Photography by Mia Lupo
Bravo to the incomparable Rosanna Ortiz Sinel and her StyleWeek Northeast team on another extraordinary showcase of regional talent!
StyleWeek Thursday: Jillian Banta, Karla Marie & Susan Troy
Thursday night’s StyleWeek shows opened with Jillian Banta, a recent graduate URI’s Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design program who says she draws inspiration from Europeans architecture and street style. Aquidneck Island’s own Stacie Waleyko, seen below, walked the runway in two of Banta’s designs. Stacie, represented by The Beauty Within Model Management, will wrap up her runway week (appearing every night) at tonight’s finale shows. 
Karla Marie Quiroz paid homage to her Dominican Republic homeland with a collection bursting with bright color, midriff bearing silhouettes and vibrant patterns. Just 22 years old, the URI student finished her ensembles with models sporting cool green eye-color and flowing tresses.
Susan Troy holds a BFA in Textiles/Fiber Arts at UMASS Dartmouth and attended the School of Fashion Design in Boston. Her collection Thursday evening was stunning–natural fabrics (lots of linen), elegant silhouettes and exquisitely styled models created an ethereal vibe reminiscent of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Stephanie Kolanko, Naomi Sauro and Amy Stetkiewicz Make a Splash at StyleWeek
The seventh installment of StyleWeek continues this week showcasing the work of regional designers with a passion for fashion. Last night’s trio of shows at the Providence Biltmore wowed with bold color, reinvented silhouettes and a whimsical point of view.
North Smithfield-based designer Stephanie Kolanko, who studied Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design at URI opened the show:
![IMG_2392[1]](https://newportstylephile.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/img_23921.jpg)
Next up was the debut of NoMy Style by Naomi Sauro who specializes in designing plus-size women’s clothing:
And summing up the evening was the Spring 2014 collection by Amy Stetkiewicz, a Parsons grad with an affinity for modern simplicity with luxe appeal:
Tickets still available for shows this week. see post below for the line-up.
Kendra Phillip: Rhode Island Made, Nationally Craved
I first featured Kendra Phillip jewelry on Newport Stylephile in 2011. It’s made right here in Rhode Island and it’s no surprise—the Ocean State was once considered the jewelry capital of the world). It’s been great to watch the line from longtime friends turned business partners Kendra Pariseault and Phillip Sowa grow since its inception. In fact, Kendra Phillip has now been featured in publications including 
InTouch, Redbook, People Magazine’s Style Watch and featured on the Today Show in addition to being seen on Miss Universe (and Rhode Island’s own) Olivia Culpo.
What’s really great is that there’s a story behind every piece, and with a diverse collection, it appeals to a wide base. You can find Kendra Phillip pieces at Primavera on Newport’s Bowen’s Wharf in addition to boutiques nationwide (click here for locations). Pieces start at just $35. See some of the stunning pieces below.
What Better Way to Welcome May Day Than By Checking Out Isoude’s Newest Collection?
Isoude’s Spring/Summer 2013 juxtaposes bold colors with crisp whites in a variety of feminine silhouettes. Newport’s lucky that designer Kate Brierley, known for her masterful attention to detail, has nested her flagship studio on Bellevue Avenue, which always showcases head-turning windows full of her meticulously curated work. Other retail locations that carry the line can be found in New York, Boston and a handful of select boutiques throughout the country.
The FIT and RISD grad was deeply influenced during her time at the haute couture house of Chado Ralph Rucci, the American designer whose high fashion piece have been coveted by stylistas for more than 30 years. Though Isoude produces two ready-to-wear collections yearly, much of the line’s loyal clientele turns to Brierley for couture pieces to ensure that one-of-a-kind design boasting a perfect, customized fit. With a commitment to the environment, each piece is hand-dyed and made in the USA. Here a look at just some of (may favorite) Spring/Summer 2013 pieces:
Five Questions with Designer Nicole Lebreux
For the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island is brimming with talent. Tiverton’s own Nicole Lebreux personifies our creative spirit with her line of funky, fresh, globally-inspired design, which turned heads at January’s StyleWeek Providence. Here’s what Nicole had to say about the experience and what she has in store moving forward:
What inspires your design in general, and what was the inspiration behind your StyleWeek collection? My main inspirations for design are the female form, nature, bright vintage fabrics, bold prints, comfort,
and simple utilitarian silhouettes. I took these main ideas a step beyond for my StyleWeek Fall 2012 collection by furthering my study on ancient Egyptian dressing techniques and surface design. I spent some time at the local library but also the MET in NYC looking at Egyptian pottery and carvings. I used a lot of their “organic geometric” shapes of zigzags, swirls, and hard edged florals and incorporated them into the silhouettes of my garments, but also into the design of the original screen print that I created and printed onto organic knit fabric. That fabric was an experiment for me but it was a huge hit!
Your line’s signature may be unexpected patterns that meet in feminine silhouettes—pieces that make women look beautiful. Would you describe your work as a celebration of the female form? Absolutely! The female form is one of the most beautiful of nature’s creations. Every woman should celebrate the physical traits that make her feminine as well as the characteristics that make her different. When you start exploring, accepting, and flaunting what makes you unique you can really let your personal style shine through!
What can we find you wearing on a comfortable, relaxed Saturday afternoon? A pair of my signature long leggings with a fitted tank or tee and a long thrift store cardigan accessorized with vintage jewelry and my bright red Toms.
Where do you source your fabrics? I find my spectacular fabrics in a million places from basements to midtown Manhattan fabric showrooms, from mills in California to the thrift store a block away from my house. Most of my vintage fabrics come from yard and estate sales, thrift stores, and auctions while some are donated by people who want their collections to be put to good use. My organics come from California mostly and mill surplus comes from a few old mills in RI and MA.
Where do you dream of taking your line? Your closet!
Shop Nicole Lebreux on Esty by CLICKING HERE and follow Nicole Lebreux Original Apparel on Facebook.
To see more of Nicole Lebreux’s designs, click the MORE link below!
Isoude Says “I Do” to New Wedding Collection
Acclaimed Newport-based fashion designer Kate Brierley has won rave reviews for her Isoude collections featuring exquisitely tailored pieces crafted with some of the richest fabrics sourced around the globe, and the designer’s newly-introduced Wedding Collection is no exception. I had the opportunity to get up close with the intimate collection at the Bellevue Avenue studio recently, and its clearly designed with the sophisticated bride in mind. “Everything I do seems to come from a very organic place,” says Kate, who recently tied the knot herself. With each dress, the designer noted an ideal milieu it would complement, from a swanky affair at The Breakers, Newport’s grande dame of the mansions, to a simple ceremony by the sea.
Layers of silk Georgette festooned with crystal beading hand-sewn in Italy, ivory silk-gazar, 
imported silk satin face organza, silk wool—one stunning fabric after another graced each distinct piece. “To me this is quintessential Newport,” remarked Kate about one gown she described as “very Grace Kelly” made of extremely fine double face satin organza, demi-box pleats at the drop waist and jaw-dropping crystal straps. “I want to bring to back to the body,” she says about the various silhouettes.
Dresses can be customized with detailed belts, and Kate was showing some looks with stunning headpieces by acclaimed milliner Satya Twena.
Simple and modern meets Old Hollywood throughout the must see collection, inspiring any discerning bride say, “I do.”
Isoude designer Kate Brierley attending to every detail
Isoude is located at 142 Bellevue Avenue in Newport.
Photo Credit: Fashion New England
