What Went Down the StyleWeek Runway Last Night

Last night, I had the privilege of checking out two runway shows for StyleWeek Providence at the Hotel Providence. Let me just say that I am totally blown away by the level of talent that is showing there, and I’m so excited for the city, the state and all of the featured designers (and aspiring ones) that this event has been started here. I hope that it’s every bit as successful as I’m guessing it will be and that it’s around for many years to come!

So, on to the shows. First up was Kelly Eident, a young Connecticut designer currently residing and working in Providence who launched her label, I’m Your Present, after graduating from RISD in 2006. Her collection was super fun and flirty, employing lots of baby pink and black, and, in keeping with the label’s name, included lots of present-themed detailing like birthday cake graphics and party hats worn by the models. Hemlines were super-short, both in dresses and rompers, which looked amazing on the models’ mile-long legs, but might be a little hard to pull off in real life. My personal favorites? The paint-splattered pink leggings and the heart cutout that I spotted on the back of at least one dress.

The second collection was that of Boston- and Montreal-based designer Samuel Vartan. Vartan took the audience on a journey to an exotic, faraway locale, with clothing with a resort-wear bent, including embroidered tunics and sheath dresses, slinky maxi dresses and evening wear with metallic detailing. Vartan used a lot of sheer fabrics in his designs, which gave those looks a beachy vibe. Bright colors, exotic prints, and peekaboo slits also lent to the overall resort feel of the collection.

StyleWeek Providence continues through Saturday. For more information, click here.