After covering fashion events in Boston as a writer and blogger, Rosanna M Ortiz noticed that the designers weren’t receiving the press and recognition that they deserved. It was time for a change called StyleWeek.
Established in 2009, StyleWeek was founded by Rosanna in Providence, RI to double as an economic driver for the state and to serve as a platform to connect emerging talent to the press and the community. Producing a total of 3 events a year, StyleWeek has showcased over 127 designers since its’ inaugural week in 2010 and has hosted over 75 national and local accessory vendors.
StyleWeek also works directly with universities in the Northeast in its’ Seed program. Modeled after Project Runway, Seed began in 2011 as a student designer competition where university students were challenged each year to create a garment with certain parameters. Industry professionals would judge the students and the winner would walk away with a monetary prize and their first experience of a professional trade show. After five successful student designer competitions, Seed launched into a supplemental secondary education mentorship program in October 2015! More on our Seed program in a later blog post!
StyleWeek has been overwhelmed with all the press received from local medias such as The Providence Journal, Providence Monthly, Rhode Island Monthly, GoLocalProv, The Rhode Show, Hot 106.3, vloggers and bloggers and national press from Forbes.com, Marie Claire, TownandCountryMag.com and Examiner.com!
..But just don’t take it from us! Our Backyard RI put together a great piece on how much of an impact StyleWeek has made in RI thanks to Rosanna M Ortiz’ vision. Check it out below!
StyleWeek has not only given the designers a platform to creatively showcase their amazing visions, it has allowed businesses to connect with the community and businesses to network with other businesses. It has also given opportunities to all who aspire to work in public relations, marketing, event production and graphic design, as well as to those who work as photographers, makeup artist, hairstylist, stylist and model. Who would have thought all of these opportunities were right in our backyard?!
XO,
IG: StyleWeek
