Simply Sjostedt

The final night of Styleweek Providence was packed and the energy was amazing. There were four more shows to complete the week; Andrea Valentini, Peach Carr, Selahdor, and Jonathan Joseph Peters.

“In 2005, Andrea developed her first signature textile by fusing and molding fabric with foam. The next year, Andrea exhibited this fabric in the Smithsonian and Copper Hewitt National Design Museum’s “Second Skin” exhibition in Germany, Japan, and Mexico. Andrea has shown her work in galleries and museums throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. In 2007, Andrea used her signature textile to launch her first collection of lifestyle bags for women and men. Immediate success motivated her to establish her own fashion design label: Andrea Valentini Inc. In 2009, Andrea opened her flagship store in Providence, RI.” {from styleweekprovidence.com}

Andrea Valentini’s collection utilized the amazing fabric normally used in her handbags. Most pieces were very structured with incredible lines. A few outfits were the complete opposite, with a sheer bubble-like quality. There were even a few items made to look like handbags or coin purses, which was pretty innovative and different. My seat at this show was amazing in person but did not allow for great photos. My favorite Andrea Valentini looks are taken from Brittanny Taylor Photography. She did a much better job than I did. {Click image to view larger.}

The second show was Peach Carr. I don’t even play tennis and I really wanted this collection. The outfits were adorable and used fun sixties and seventies inspired prints. There were also pieces that could have easily transcended into a night out on the town. Everything was just cheerful and flattering. Loved it all. I also loved meeting Peach who was just as bright and fun as her designs.

“Peach Carr stepped into the spotlight when she stepped onto the runway as a fashion designer on season 8 of “Project Runway”.  Dubbed by Tim Gunn as “Country Club Chic” Peach has designed a tennis wear line which will bring her client from a match to lunch, dinner or girls’ night out…with a simple change of shoes.  Drawing from her 60′s and 70′s childhood, Peach Carr brings a mod vibe and splash of color to the courts.” {from styleweekprovidence.com}

My picks (Excuse the angles and quality, my seat was a little tricky for photography.): {Click image to view larger.}

Next was Selahdor by David Chum. This collection was simple and elegant. Clean lines and sophisticated tailoring gave this collection power. I liked all the small details like the pintucks, pleats and piping.

“In 2009 David Chum launched his line, Selahdor, from his Arlington atelier.  His architectural silhouettes and focus on sleek, modern tailoring garnered the label press and buyer attention from its very first collection. In 2011, Selahdor was selected as the first recipient of the Emerging Designer Fund, a Boston-based organization which provides funding and professional services to superlative fashion talent in the New England area.” {from styleweekprovidence.com}

Enjoy my top six! {Click image to view larger.}

The final runway show was Jonathan Joseph Peters. My sister seems to always be in his designs and for good reason. Jonathan is a designer that can successfully marry beautifully artistic design with real world appeal. The collection I saw during the finally show of Styleweek was no different. Each piece was stunning and edgy yet something I needed in my own closet. My sister actually wore a gorgeous deep blue halter pantsuit to the shows that night that I begged Jonathan to make for me as well.  :)

“Jonathan Joseph Peters is an up and coming American designer who searches tirelessly to find the folcrum between avant-garde and ready to wear. By mixing pattern, texture, silhouette, and color Peters creates pieces with merit on the runway, and at home in his customers’ wardrobe. Peters has consistently shown since his appearance on season 7 of the reality design competition “Project Runway”. After showing his Fall/Winter 2010 collection as part of the show’s finale, Jonathan has gone on to show Resort 10/11 during the inaugural Styleweek Providence, and Spring/Summer 2011 in both NewYork and Portland, OR. His most recent collection features effortless pieces that are easy to wear and wardrobe. Peters also specializes in cocktail, special occasion, and custom work. Wholesale ordering and special orders are available.” {from styleweekprovidence.com}

Here are my favorite pieces. My sister is the bottom right. {Click image to view larger.}

Here’s my outfit from the final night:

Vintage 1970′s Pleated Dress
House of Cache Skull Earrings
Jessica Simpson Dany Platforms
Alex & Ani Bangles
Obsessive Compulsive Lip Tar in Anime