Are You The Next Nashville Fashion Forward Recipient?

ARE YOU THE NEXT NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD RECIPIENT?

This month marks five years since Nashville Fashion Week was forced to make a hard pivot when a tornado devastated Nashville. Just a few weeks later, the world changed forever. So much has happened since then, but through it all, the Nashville fashion community continues to evolve. While our focus has shifted from producing the events you may have attended in the past, we remain committed to supporting our fashion community by continuing to build the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund to ensure its impact endures for years to come.

Some things never change!

We're preparing to launch our 12th Nashville Fashion Forward Fund application in a few weeks, so start thinking about what experience would help elevate both you and your business to where you want to go. 

Established in 2011, the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing a financial reward and resources for EXPERIENTIAL professional development opportunities each year with proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week. ALL fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennesse are encouraged to apply to be our twelvth Nashville Fashion Forward Fund award winner.

Previous recipients include our most recent award winner Rhea Daniels, apparel designers Haley Maddox, Van Hoang, Maria Silver, Eric Bornhop, Lauren Leonard Phelps and Julianna Bass Brea; small batch apparel manufacturer Megan Prange; fashion photographer Brett Warren; accessory designer Ceri Hoover; and content creator Elise Joseph.

Dream big. You could be next! You won't know unless you apply.

Step into a world where sneaker culture meets artistic expression at the Air Max Art Crawl on March 26, 2025 in downtown at The Arcade Nashville! For the 3rd Annual Air Max Day,  Melissa Watkins, creator of FabGlance, is elevating the experience in collaboration with Arcade Arts Nashville! This unique event brings together local artists, fashionistas, sneaker lovers, and creatives for an unforgettable celebration of style, culture, and community in a one-of-a-kind fusion of sneakers and street art. 

What to Expect

* Live art installations & sneaker-inspired exhibits

* Exclusive sneaker showcases & custom designs

* Music, fashion, and interactive experiences

* A curated space for creatives to connect

We are honored to have you consider the Nashville Fashion Foward Fund as the recipient of your next charitable event. Please complete the sponsorship form at NashvilleFashionWeek.com
to discuss potential partnership opportunties to financially support the Nashville fashion community through The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. We appeciate your continued support. 

Thank you! 

Country Music Hall of Fame And Museum Hosts "Suiting The Sound Panel Discussion

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM
HOSTS “SUITING THE SOUND” CONVERSATION
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK

The Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, presented in partnership with Nashville Fashion Week, will host a conversation with designers Marina Toybina and Maria “Poni” Silver. The program, “Suiting the Sound: Designers Marina Toybina and Maria ‘Poni’ Silver in Conversation,” will take place on Wednesday, September 4, at 6 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater.

Country music performers have been turning heads in custom-designed stage wear since the late 1940s. During this program, moderated by Museum Writer-Editor Angela Stefano Zimmer, Toybina and Silver — who both work with Carrie Underwood and other musicians — will discuss their careers and their design processes. Underwood is loaning stage wear created by both designers for display during the program.

Toybina is a seven-time Emmy-winning costume and fashion designer who has collaborated with Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, P!NK, Taylor Swift and many others, as well as on television shows such as “The Masked Singer,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and “The X Factor.” She is also a judge and mentor on the Hulu competition series “Dress My Tour.” Toybina is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and launched her first fashion line, Glaza, while still in school. Her work has been featured in various magazines including Billboard, Entertainment Weekly, Glamour, People, Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue and Variety.

Silver is head of wardrobe for Underwood’s REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency and has also designed stage wear for Ruby Amanfu, Adia Victoria and others, as well as for the Nashville Ballet production “Seven Deadly Sins.” She is a Fashion Institute of Technology graduate and Nashville Fashion Week’s 2017 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient. Designs from her brand, Black by Maria Silver, which launched in 2011, have been featured in Elle, Glamour, Vogue and other publications. Silver is also a musician: she has been a touring drummer since 2004 and has recorded six albums.

Free tickets can be reserved on the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum website. Separately, the museum also has a free-to-access online exhibition, Suiting the Sound: The Rodeo Tailors Who Made Country Stars Shine Brighter. Drawing from the museum’s galleries and extensive collection of stage costumes and archival materials, the exhibition examines the dazzling artistry of western-wear designers whose couture fashions helped create an indelible image for country music.

Nashville Fashion Week kicked off in 2010 with a city-wide celebration of Nashville’s thriving fashion and retail community and its vast array of creative talent and has continued to gain momentum each year. Featuring local, regional and national designers and industry professionals in an array of creative events encourages both Nashvillians and visitors to explore the city’s diverse fashion and retail spaces through events, promotions, partnerships and educational workshops. NFW was founded and directed by a collaboration of fashion, retail and media professionals who combined their passion and resources to create a completely volunteer-led and run event spotlighting Nashville's growing fashion community with a sustainable focus for philanthropic support of our creative community through the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. For detailed information, please visit NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Recipient 2023

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK ANNOUNCES OUR ELEVENTH NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND RECIPIENT 

We are excited to announce Rhea Daniels, the founder and creative director of Papierdoll Factory, as the 2023 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient. A committee from The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee selected Rhea from a diverse group of experienced fashion industry applicants based on her impressive submission that adhered to specific criteria established by the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund co-founders in 2010. We will honor and celebrate Rhea at an upcoming Nashville Fashion Week community event.

Founded in 2018, Papierdoll Factory is dedicated to blending avant-garde resort wear with cultural consciousness. Rhea's upbringing in Clarksville, Tennessee, amidst the rich diversity of a military town, has profoundly influenced the brand’s ethos. Papierdoll Factory strives to celebrate the world's myriad cultures through high-quality, bespoke designs. 

"I am profoundly honored to be named the recipient of the 2023 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund. This grant empowers us to further our mission of style and inclusivity by focusing on professional development, securing federal contracts, and establishing international trade. We aim to expand our presence within the American Armed Forces Exchange Service, bringing our unique fashion solutions to military communities worldwide. This opportunity is not just a milestone for Papierdoll Factory but a step towards a more interconnected and stylish world." – Rhea Daniels, Founder and Creative Director of Papierdoll Factory

Receiving the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund is a milestone for the brand's journey to elevate global fashion standards. Papierdoll Factory believes in "Style Without Borders" and is passionate about creating fashion that empowers and inspires. Initiatives like Minerva's Closet—a program sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Nashville Alumnae Chapter—provide no-cost prom shopping experiences for underprivileged teens, showcasing the brand's commitment to community empowerment. Papierdoll Factory is also actively involved and dedicated to the vibrant local fashion scene in both Nashville and Atlanta.

Rhea also serves as a Presidential Donor and Executive Member of the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, actively contributing to the university's growth and success. Her leadership and vision continue to drive Papierdoll Factory forward, making every piece a celebration of diversity and style.

The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing an annual financial award and resources for experiential professional development opportunities to advance the career of select local talent with demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field based on pre-established criteria.

“At its core, Nashville Fashion Week has always been about supporting the people who bring fashion to life. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Award has recognized and celebrated the creative aspirations of fashion industry professionals for more than a decade with financial support to go, do, learn as part of their creative journey."  - Amy Fair, Senior Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Connie Cathcart-Richardson, Mclaine Richardson, Rhea Daniels and Marcia Masulla at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts Alexander McQueen Media Preview

"As the fashion and creative economy in Nashville evolves, our vision and mission continue to be focused on creating lasting impact in the ecosystem for the fashion community. Rhea's big picture strategy for her business is both inspiring and a worthy investment for The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund. We are excited to work with Rhea and others in the community on forging a new and fruitful path forward." - Marcia Masulla, Managing Director & Co-Founder + Connie Cathcart-Richardson, Co-Founder, Nashville Fashion Week | Nashville Fashion Forward Fund

Previous Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipients include apparel designers Haley Maddox, Van Hoang, Maria Silver, Eric Bornhop, Lauren Leonard Phelps and Julianna Bass Brea; manufacturer Megan Prange, fashion photographer Brett Warren; accessory designer Ceri Hoover; and Elise Joseph, brand strategist and creative director.

The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund is a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee that is funded with charitable donations and proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund was inspired by the professional development provided by the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) through programs such as the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund ensures that Nashville Fashion Week is not just a single high-profile event to celebrate creativity, but also an ongoing, sustainable focus for philanthropic support of our community for many years to come.

NFFF APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

The NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND 2023 APPLICATION
HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 10, 2024

ALL FASHION PROFESSIONALS WITH TIES TO MIDDLE TENNESSEE
ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THIS AWARD
Designers, Photographers, Stylists, Models, Hair and Makeup Artists, 
Retailers, Content Creators and MORE! 

Nashville Fashion Week has extended the application deadline for the 2023 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund to January 10, 2024. We were made aware that there were some access issues with the application this week. We want to insure that everyone that is interested has the opportunity to apply.

Detailed instructions for application submission can be found HERE. Please note that this is a unique experiential opportunity. Your proposal should support the professional development experience that you'd like to pursue to advance your career. This is not a request to purchase supplies or equipment.

Applications must arrive at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's office at 3421 Belmont Boulevard by 4:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. The 2023 recipient will be announced early next year. 

NFFF Application Is Now Live

The NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND 2023 APPLICATION
Is NOW OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER 15

ALL FASHION PROFESSIONALS WITH TIES TO MIDDLE TENNESSEE
ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THIS AWARD
Designers, Photographers, Stylists, Models, Hair and Makeup Artists, 
Retailers, Content Creators and MORE! 

Nashville Fashion Week invites you to submit your application for the 2023 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund award to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee now through December 15. Established in 2011, the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing a financial reward and resources for EXPERIENTIAL professional development opportunities each year with proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week. ALL fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee are encouraged to apply to be our eleventh Nashville Fashion Forward Fund award winner.

Previous recipients include apparel designers Haley Maddox, Van Hoang, Maria Silver, Eric Bornhop, Lauren Leonard Phelps and Julianna Bass Brea; small batch apparel manufacturer Megan Prange; fashion photographer Brett Warren; accessory designer Ceri Hoover; and content creator Elise Joseph.

Detailed instructions for application submission can be found at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

Applications must arrive at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's office at 3421 Belmont Boulevard by 4:00 p.m. CST on Friday, December 15, 2023. The 2023 recipient will be announced early next year. 

Award recipients are selected by a committee of the Community Foundation board based on pre-established criteria inspired by the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund to advance the career of select local talent with demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund ensures that Nashville Fashion Week is not just a signature high-profile event to celebrate creativity, but also an ongoing, sustainable focus for philanthropic support.

SHOP NOW: SAVE 15% OFF YOUR ALTUZARRA.COM ORDER THROUGH OCTOBER 27
WITH 15% OF SALES TO BENEFIT THE NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND

Joseph Altuzarra and Nashville Fashion Week invite you to visit and shop ALTUZARRA online through Friday, October 27. You will save 15% at checkout with code NFW15 and Altuzarra will donate 15% of sales to The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Joseph Altuzarra is a luxury womenswear designer and is widely recognized as one of the most talented and lasting of his generation. Joseph's seductive aesthetic combines modernity, femininity, and an unapologetic sexiness. Anchored in artisanal craftsmanship, and a curiosity about the world, the collection is informed by Joseph's own multicultural background and upbringing. The Altuzarra brand speaks to the power, fearlessness and sensuality of the modern woman’s wardrobe.

 #whyNFW