The Influencer: Rosanna Ortiz

"I started STYLEWEEK not just for emerging designers from all over the country to showcase their collections, but also as an economic driver for the City of Providence and the state. I want our city to become a destination for others to come enjoy a metropolitan feel fashion week in Rhode Island. So, I began STYLEWEEK with the intent to be a platform for designers as well as an event that could help boost tourism.

My style is relatively boring. I pretty much have a uniform and wear a lot of jeans, blazers, leather leggings, and the color black. My everyday go-to is always a blazer and a great pair of boots or shoes. I am all about the accessories and always have been a shoe girl. More masculine dressing mixed with progressive shapes is probably my favorite type of look. I mostly look for unique shapes, darker hues, and texture in my clothing.

My absolute favorite place to shop at the moment is ZARA. Most of my blazers come from there, as do some of my shoes. I wish I could afford luxury brands like Balmain and Proenza Schouler, but unfortunately the budget doesn’t call for that. I am somewhat of a bargain shopper and always go to TJ Maxx and Marshalls. I will also sprinkle in a few great pieces from designers who show at STYLEWEEK. My newest obsession is a short jacket from designer Amy Page DeBlasio.

I love bringing designers to STYLEWEEK because we provide them an A-class production where they can receive great photos and videos of their collection to use for their branding, as well as offering them VIP treatment. People should know that STYLEWEEK is Rhode Island’s Fashion Week for everyone. We created the event for the community to come enjoy this experience in a judgment-free zone. Just be yourself and come have fun.

I adore living and working downtown – it’s like Sesame Street – and it keeps me inspired and productive. Providence is a great city and seeing it expand and evolve since I moved here almost 10 years ago has been very rewarding. Being downtown allows me to see the growth first hand. I feel very lucky."