StyleWeek is the only regional event of its kind that showcases twice a year. This has allowed Rosanna to steadily increase momentum and exposure for industry trade in Rhode Island. Although there are many Rhode Island designers who show at StyleWeek, many come from different states, including New York. Throughout its history, StyleWeek has introduced over 55 emerging designers and is one of the few regional shows that has been attended by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Given its growing popularity, Rosanna no longer has to seek out designers; they come to her.”What’s on paper doesn’t impress me,” Rosanna explains. “The quality needs to be stellar and the technical skill impeccable,” she continues.“We have a lot of designers approaching us and have to turn people away now. The first criteria we look for is if the designer intends to make fashion their fulltime career, and the second is integrity. That is very important to me.”


“I want to help Rhode Island grow. There is no limit to how high we can climb.”


This season’s StyleWeek included some inspiring creations by seven Rhode Island designers, Jess Abernethy, Jonathan Joseph Peters, Artiss Akarra, Amy Stetkiewicz, Nick Pini, Naomi Sauro and Toni Lyn Spaziano. Their collections are available for purchase at nude, located in the Providence Arcade. They can also be reached for custom designs and special purchases.


What are the future plans for Rosanna and StyleWeek? “We would love to see more manufacturing and fabric companies open in Rhode Island. Many designers leave right after school for lack of materials and production


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support,” Rosanna notes. “We would like to focus on the bigger picture of growing this industry in our State as we continue to refine StyleWeek in order to bring it to a bigger venue.” Rosanna’s basic mission is simple, “I want to help Rhode Island grow. There is no limit to how high we can climb.”


Photo below by: RICM Photographer Roberta Kaufman Fashion Designer: Naomi Sauro


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