[September 04, 2011] Focus is on millinery at StyleWeek Providence Tweet PROVIDENCE, Sep 02, 2011 (The Providence Journal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- StyleWeek Providence wrapped its fourth day of fashion and glitz on the catwalk at the Providence Performing Arts Center Thursday night with a millinery installation and two runway shows featuring womenswear designs. The seven-day series of runway presentations runs through Saturday, and showcases 21 local, emerging and established designers. The concept, envisioned by president and founder Rosanna Ortiz Sinel, was to bring a classic trade show to the Creative Capital to give local talent a chance to shine in their own backyard. This is the third presentation of Style Week, and this year features a Parisian-style runway. "It's been really smooth, considering [Tropical Storm] Irene," Ortiz Sinel said. Opening the evening was Everett Hoag with "The Fiber and Millinery Arts Installation," which marks the launch of the Pawtucket-based designer's "Conjured Garden" series. Models descending the PPAC lobby staircase wore tremendous headdresses, bursting with great feathers, flowers and lots of color. "I'm really into nature and the layers of nature," Hoag said. "If you look at sea rocks and moss on a log, it definitely has the layers." His chapeaus ranged from Francisco Goya-inspired themes to a Daisy Buchanan great hat inspired by "The Great Gatsby." At the installation, mingling was the operative word, as models sauntered about in jeweled gowns also designed by Hoag. Next up was Viva Aviva Falk, a New York-based designer whose womenswear line is a "modernist seasonal collection" that is locally produced. Spectators mingled in the theater and began taking their seats on the stage for a close-up view of the designs along the U-shaped runway. Among the viewers were Kerrie Oliveira, 33, and Gina Simeone, 39, who were out with a few of their friends. Oliveira said they had never been to a StyleWeek presentation, so they weren't sure what to expect. "I just love fashion. I'm hoping it's reflective of what is up and coming," Oliveira said. The evening runway shows culminated with the "Modern Joan Runway Show," presented by Gloucester, Mass., native Jennifer Greeke Harpy. The Harpy line is a "women's high-end fashion line dedicated to bringing strong feminine clothing with a slight edge to its stylish customers," according to Harpy's bio. Style Week runs through Saturday evening. Tickets to some shows are still available. Event information is available at www.styleweekprovidence.com, or at the PPAC door. [email protected] ___ (c)2011 The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.) Visit The Providence Journal (Providence, R.I.) at www.projo.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]