Netflix’s Next In Fashion Features the Designs of Providence Native Megan O’Cain

Image courtesy of Netflix

Netflix’s Next In Fashion is a reality competition show that selects twelve fashion designers in the country to compete for the chance to win more than $200,000 and debut a collection for a luxury clothing retail site. One of the twelve designers featured on season two of the show (which is hosted by A-list supermodel Gigi Hadid and Queer Eye’s Tan France) is Providence native Megan O’Cain.  (Please note: show spoilers ahead!)

Image courtesy of Netflix

What sets O’Cain apart from other designers is her unique perspective and her ability to draw inspiration from unconventional places. “I think what excites me most is having fun and being playful. I don’t take fashion too seriously because, for me, it’s about expression and play. It was never about trying to be perfect,” she reflects. 

The Next In Fashion alum says she chooses reference points for design not solely from fashion, but also from film, music, or art.

“It’s a very specific perspective that’s been well-developed over the years,” she says.  

It was her grandmother’s supplies from the sixties paired with the creativity overflowing in the Ocean State that first inspired the budding fashion designer.

“I think Rhode Island is such a unique place,” she adds. “Rhode Island has such a vibrant vintage and secondhand community.”

As a New York transplant, O’Cain shares that her artistic perspective started in Lil’ Rhody: “the state has definitely influenced where I am now.”  

When asked about the leap from Providence to Hollywood, O’Cain remarked that the opportunity came at the right time. “I was prioritizing building my business so much that I was starting to feel burnt out. I wanted to get back in touch with my creative side, then Next In Fashion happened.”  

Image courtesy of Netflix

Season two of the show features O’Cain’s whimsical designs that are self-described as, “playful and vintage-inspired with an escapist and modern touch.” O’Cain’s personal favorite look from the show comes from episode one. Tasked with creating a look that fits the theme of “royalty,” O’Cain was inspired by sixties disco music — specifically the sounds of ABBA. She ended up creating a look that even special guest judge and fashion royalty Donatella Versace loved. 

After her elimination in episode seven of the ten-episode series, O’Cain felt nothing but gratitude and excitement.

“I felt so excited,” she recalls. “I felt so grateful that this happened to me. The show was such an amazing, creative experience. It was a month of my life where every morning I woke up and I created my art.”  

The designer also says that being on the show had a profound effect on her business.

“I’ve gotten so much more traffic to my website and so many more inquiries for custom orders,” which are, according to O’Cain, major aspects of her business and brand. Her namesake brand “Megan O’Cain,” is threefold: she sells upcycled pieces in stores (like The Nest in Providence), she takes custom orders and she has a ready-to-wear collection available for purchase on her website.  

Image courtesy of Netflix

So, “what’s next in Megan O’Cain?” 

“I’m continuing to build my brand and I’ll be releasing new pieces on my website. I’m working on a new collection, I’m working on taking more custom orders and making special pieces for people,” she shares.

Long-term, the garment-maker hopes to open a storefront in New York that hosts a workshop where she’ll curate more inclusive, forward-thinking creations. Wherever O’Cain ends up next, there’s no doubt that this boundary-breaking talent represents a change in the fabric of the fashion industry.  

To purchase some of O’Cain’s upcycled pieces, visit The Nest in Providence or visit her website for ready-to-wear pieces. You can also commission her on instagram via direct messaging for custom looks.