Introducing The AMAX + NFW Model Search 2022 Winners

Brittany Meadows, Ella Moyer, John Calado, Deundra Britton, Teanna Gilliam, Abby Hunt, Trey Lane, Maya Bennett, Isaac DaSilva and Riley Wilson (3 Rows L to R). Photographed by Jessica Amerson at Sonder Nashville with hair & makeup by Katie Galliher | AMAX Creative.

Congratulations to all ten of the AMAX + Nashville Fashion Week Model Search 2022 winners! The AMAX Talent + NFW Model Search has been a launchpad for successful modeling careers since its inception in 2012. In 2022, for the first time in its ten year history, ten winners were selected from hundreds of applications submitted by aspiring models of all sizes and genders, age 16+. Thirty finalists were invited to meet with AMAX model scouts at an in-person casting prior to the final selection for this coveted opportunity. All ten winners, ages 16 - 40, will receive a modeling contract and development resources from AMAX Talent, including a professional photo shoot with Jessica Amerson at Sonder Nashville.

We look forward to seeing this emerging talent on future NFW runways!

AMAX Talent is a full service agency representing fashion, commercial and lifestyle models as well as actors, hair and make-up artists, and wardrobe stylists. Cherylann Stephens, former director of Next and Wilhelmina in Los Angeles, opened AMAX's parent company, Maximum Artist Creative Services, in 2005 to fill the need for an artists agency in the Nashville market. In 2009, MACS acquired AMAX, a well known Nashville modeling agency founded in 1989. Through a strong emphasis on both local and direct booking, as well as scouting and developing local models for international placement, AMAX has quickly risen to become one of the premier agencies in the Southeast. AMAX models have been featured in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Celine, Jill Stuart, American Eagle, Ralph Lauren, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger as well as walked the runways of Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Versace and Louis Vuitton. For more information on the agency, please visit AMAXTalent.com.

NFW to Present 15 Middle Tennessee Designers Through New CFDA Connects Program

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2021 TO PRESENT FIFTEEN MIDDLE TENNESSEE DESIGNERS THROUGH NEW CFDA CONNECTS PROGRAM

Over the last eighteen months, we've been reminded about what truly matters and have been heartened by moments in everyday acts of humanity and resilience. Unfortunately, COVID-19 still has ongoing effects in our community and beyond, so we have yet again reimagined how to best serve our fashion community during these challenging times.

NOW IS THE TIME TO IMAGINE. WILL YOU JOIN US?

Since our inception in 2011, Nashville Fashion Week has been hosted in the spring, but this fall an updated version will take place October 12 -16. Our fall lineup is designed to safely explore, test and shape the future of Nashville fashion in a meaningful way through strategic partnerships and collaborations with both local and global industry leaders. We look forward to connecting with our community again for a diverse schedule of digital and live programming that is designed to showcase and inspire our fashion community. 

Nashville Fashion Week is thrilled to share more details about our new membership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Nashville Fashion Week was selected as one of twelve regional organizations nationwide that were invited to join and benefit from the new CFDA Connects initiative. CFDA Connects is a programming network in support of regional fashion weeks and organizations through promotion, business support, resources and member privileges. The CFDA infrastructure centers around programming, education and webinars and will work closely with NFW to help develop and provide opportunities to designers from Middle Tennessee.The Connects membership access exists to influentially amplify our NFW mission, expand our reach, increase awareness, and strengthen our city's connection to the pulse of business, commerce, media and trade in the American fashion industry and globally.

"CFDA Connects was created to skill share and connect domestic markets and global fashion industries through CFDA resources including professional and business development and education, trade events, supply chain and local manufacturing, social impact and sustainability" said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “ As a part of CFDA Connects, Nashville Fashion Week designers will tap into the worldwide reach of RUNWAY360 to connect directly with tens of thousands of journalists, retailers, influencers and consumers through this game changing platform."

Designers who previously applied and were selected to present their collections at NFW 2020 were invited to participate in NFW 2021. Fifteen Middle Tennessee designers now have the opportunity to participate in an innovative way as they present their collections and brands to a global audience.

Each designer will present their brands and looks on the CFDA’s Runway360 digital programming platform. This access will include streaming their runway presentations, lookbook and e-commerce capabilities. The runway presentations will be professionally filmed in advance at OZ Arts Nashville by Middle Tennessee State University’s Marketing and Communications team with production design by Bright Events Productions. Nashville Fashion Week would not be able to produce these events and activate programming without these vital partners.

The following designers are participating in NFW 2021. Designer bios can be previewed HERE. 

• Amanda Valentine

• Any Old Iron

• Article X

• Black by Maria Silver

• Eileen Kelly

• Emily Phillips

• Erica Knicely

• H. Lane Design

• Ken Drama

• Laura Citron

• Lily Guilder Design

• Ola Mai

• Rank & Sugar

• The Morgan Factory

• Truly Alvarenga

The full schedule of fall events and detailed ticketing information will be announced over the next few weeks. A limited number of VIP Passes will go on sale next week. All proceeds benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Applications for volunteers, photographers and Shop Nashville vendors are now being accepted under the APPLICATION link at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. 

While we are excited to gather both digitally and in person for NFW 2021, the health and safety of our guests, participants and team remains our top priority. A full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test will be required to attend or participate in any Nashville Fashion Week 2021 event.

NFW strongly encourages vaccination. The last day to receive the second shot of Moderna or Pfizer or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson prior to our October events is September 27th. For anyone that is not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours of attending any event. NFW requires that anyone unvaccinated must wear a mask at all times. This protocol is based on current CDC standards. Any changes to these procedures will be communicated prior to each event.

COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available to all Tennesseans 12+ in all 95 counties across our state. Find a location close to you at VaccineFinder.org to insure that you’ve done your part to keep NFW 2021 and our community safe for everyone. 

Nashville Fashion Week is a city-wide celebration of Nashville’s thriving fashion and retail community and its vast array of creative talent. Featuring local, regional and national designers and industry professionals in an array of creative events throughout the week encourages both Nashvillians and visitors to explore the city’s diverse fashion and retail spaces throughout theweek with promotions, partnerships and educational workshops. NFW is founded and directed by a collaboration of fashion, retail and media professionals who have 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 the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. For detailed information, please visit NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

NFW Learning Lab and Shop Nashville UPDATE

As we continue to monitor the latest developments regarding COVID-19, we have made the decision to postpone our NFW Learning Labs and Shop Nashville events to August as well. 

Please support our Shop Nashville partners, designers and other local businesses during this difficult time. Shop online, purchase gift cards and show them some love on socials. 

We greatly appreciate the outpour of support and encouragement. Please be safe!

We are Nashville Fashion. We are Nashville strong. #WHYNFW

Third Annual Men's Style Event and Two New Learning Labs

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL 
MEN'S STYLE EVENT AT THE KIMPTON AERTSON HOTEL

The Nashville Fashion Week Men's Style Event is known for its dapper attendees and the expectation is set even higher for year three. The 3rd Annual NFW Men’s Style Event, will take place at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel on March 24 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Scout's Barbershop is returning with hot shaves, beard trims and gift bags, delicious bites from Henley with one complimentary bourbon cocktail from Blade and Bow with a full cash bar available after that. i106.7 will be providing tunes while attendees preview and shop NFW alum designer and 2015 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient Eric Adler Clothing; Levy's Clothing, the 2017 Nashville Fashion Forward Legacy Award recipient, featuring Nifty Genius; and Herrie Clothing. 10% of on-site sales will benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. A limited number of tickets are now available for $30 each at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

Located in Nashville’s Midtown neighborhood, Kimpton Aertson Hotel echoes the creative spirit of Music City. The 180 rooms feature crisp, natural colors with wood accents, marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and custom art throughout. The property also boasts Southern hospitality-inspired service and amenities including a seasonal rooftop pool and bar, Woodhouse Spa, 8,600 square feet of event and meeting space, 24-hour fitness center and nationally acclaimed bar and restaurant Henley.

“We’re longtime fans of Nashville Fashion Week and we’ve admired what the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund has done for our city’s diverse creative talent. Kimpton Aertson Hotel is excited to partner with the event in its 10th Year and help further support its initiatives!” – Lindsey Sullivan, Kimpton Aertson Hotel Director of Sales & Marketing

Scout’s Barbershop is a locally-owned barbershop for men and women of all ages. Located in every Nashville neighborhood, you never have to leave your ‘hood' to get a great haircut with a unique experience! At Scout’s, we believe that quality haircuts should come with free beer and good vibes; not attitude.Fresh cuts, great styles at an affordable price, but most importantly a place where experience comes first! A place where you and your hair can be yourself!

"We are proud to be participating in Nashville Fashion Week for the third consecutive year. Scout's is thrilled to be part of the NFW Men's Style event, that brings together a unique group of creatives from all over the city." - Brooke Allison, Scout's Barbershop

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TWO NEW LEARNING LAB OPPORTUNITIES!

 We're excited to announce two new NFW Learning Labs that are back by popular demand...

Margaret Ellis Jewelry will host "Intro to Metalsmithing: Make Your Own Set of Silver Stack Rings" at their Berry Hill Studio on Wednesday, April 1 and The Cosmetic Market will host "Beauty Behind the Runway" on Saturday, April 4 at their Green Hills location. Reserve your spot before they're gone. These classes always sell out fast!

INTRO TO METALSMITHING: MAKE YOUR OWN SET OF SILVER STACK RINGS

Presented by Margaret Ellis Jewelry

Wednesday, April 1 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Location: ME Studio
2809 Bransford Avenue, 37204

Admission: $250 Individual ticket includes instruction, materials and your own personal set of three Silver Stack Rings (retail value $300). Reservations required.

Learn to make your very own set of classic ME Silver Stack Rings with the assistance from one of Nashville's most respected local businesses. Margaret Ellis Jewelry utilizes strong shapes and textures to bring new relevance to classic handcrafted designs. Precious metals, individually select pearls and stones form modern and timeless works of art designed to be worn for years to come. ME owner/designer Mclaine Richardson and master metalsmiths will help you find your inner creativity and inspiration through the art of jewelry design. Ticket price includes admission and all materials needed to create a Set of Three Stack Rings with your choice of textures at the ME Studio in Berry Hill. Limited class size for one-on-one instruction.

We’re excited to open our Studio for another NFW Learning Lab. We love sharing basic skills and seeing the “students” pride in making their own jewelry. This is always such a fun afternoon for everyone involved! - Mclaine Richardson, Margaret Ellils Jewelry Owner | Designer

BEAUTY BEHIND THE RUNWAY WITH COSMETIC MARKET

Presented by The Cosmetic Market

Saturday, April 4 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Location: The Cosmetic Market
4015 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 107, 37215

Admission: $40 Individual ticket includes light bites and refreshments. Reservations required.

Join us for a morning of beauty so you can be runway ready every day. During this two-hour class, learn how to achieve the makeup looks you would love to wear but are not sure how to achieve. Plus, work one-on-one with the makeup artists and hair stylists who work backstage during Nashville Fashion Week! Makeup Artists from The Cosmetic Market will show you the tips and tricks to having radiant skin, a flawless complexion and perfect on trend makeup. In addition, expert Stylists from Kevin Murphy and Moroccan Oil will work one-on-one with you to demonstrate the tips and back stage techniques to achieving your best hair day ever. Enjoy lite bites, coffee, bubbly, swag bags and more!

"The Cosmetic Market has been involved backstage with Nashville Fashion Week since day one. We love working together with local designers to complete their vision..  Being a local business as well, participating in a week that showcases the growing Nashville fashion industry, and the amazing talent in Middle Tennessee is something we are proud to be a part of.  We are thrilled to have the opportunity this year to showcase our creative skills and the talent of our partners, Kevin Murphy and Moroccan Oil, to give everyone an inside look behind the scenes."  - Mary Kathryn Hudson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Influencer Mixer & Closet Sale at Bode Nashville

JOIN US FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL INFLUENCER MIXER AT BODE NASHVILLE  

ALL NEW CLOSET SALES AND DONATION STATION TO ANCHOR THIS SUSTAINABLITY-FOCUSED EVENT

This year's 4th annual Nashville Fashion Week influencer event has transformed into the NFW Influencer Mixer and Closet Sale with a focus on sustainable and styish efforts. Attendees will have the opportunity to network and shop the closets of Nashville influencers @AlinaAndRose, @JLBabe and @SilkandRaven on March 18 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Bode Nashville, 401 2nd Avenue. 20% of the closet sales will be donated to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. We encourage you to shop responsibly by repurposing these previously loved treasures. Attendees are also invited to bring pieces from your wardrobe to donate to the Silk + Raven Sustainability Station and to sign up to be a consignor for The RealReal. 

The Silk + Raven Sustainability Station will be the space for you to donate apparel, linens and shoes (yes even single shoes!) that you no longer have use for. While getting rid of unused clothing can be extremely therapeutic and time/space saving, it is vitally important that the tossed items end up in a good place. Drop off items at the Sustainability Station in exchange for the knowledge that it will NOT end up in landfills. Textile items in fair condition will be donated to Goodwill while items in less than fair condition (no shame!) will be recycled through both Goodwill and the American Textile Recycling Service. Rest assured, no sock is too dirty and no bra is too intimate!

The RealReal will have a presence speaking to the circular economy of fashion and teaching about how to contribute to a more sustainable industry where luxury goods stay in circulation through consignment. Bring items to potentially consign or book an appointment at the mixer for a future date. For each item you consign, $5 will benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund with a minimum consignment of $10.

The RealReal is leading the way in authenticated luxury consignment. The 100+ in-house gemologists, horologists and brand authenticators inspect thousands of items available online and in our stores each day, ensuring they are 100% authentic. As a sustainable company, they give new life to pieces by brands from Chanel to Cartier, and hundreds more, supporting the circular economy. Since The RealReal’s founding in 2011, the consignment process has saved enough energy and greenhouse gasses to equal 65 million driving miles. Join the consignment movement.

DJ Austin Yarbrough will set the tone for a lively evening. Enjoy one complimentary cocktail from George Dickel Tennessee Whisky followed by a full cash bar, light bites from Bode, a mixology presentation by Jon Yeager of Bode’s newly open Sidebar, and be sure to get in on all the fun at Know Your Roots Photoboothery. All guests will leave with a Herb Essntls tote bag and cannibis infused perfume oil. This interactive event is the perfect occasion to meet new friends, plot your NFW plans and find the perfect looks for Nashville Fashion Week 2020. A limited number of $30 tickets are now available at NashvilleFashionWeek.com to benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Rideshare is encouraged. Street parking is near and a limited number of complimentary valet spots will also be available.

Bode is a new category of hospitality created to accommodate the ever-growing segment of group lifestyle travelers. Crafted with a focus on group-friendly spaces and floor plans, Bode is a flexible residence-style, self-guided hotel experience accentuated by lively common areas for eating, drinking, working, and playing. Catering to the next generation of travelers, Bode provides the flexibility and authenticity of vacation rentals without sacrificing the comfort and conveniences of a boutique hotel. Launching in Nashville in 2018, Bode has already opened a second property in Chattanooga, TN, and is coming to a variety of sought-after destinations in 2020 and beyond, including two California properties in Palm Springs and Indian Wells. For more information on Bode, please visit Bode.co.  

“We are thrilled here at Bode Nashville to be bringing Nashville Fashion Week to our beautiful boutique hotel. The event will be a great opportunity for everyone to experience our unique venue designed for daily gatherings, interactive special events, and spontaneous socializing. We are pleased to showcase the newly opened Sidebar, offering craft cocktails and an approachable atmosphere that are a perfect fit for our group travelers as well as Nashville locale.” - Elliot Ford, Nashville General Manager

Senni Alina and Olivia Rose are the stylist and content creating duo behind the brand Alina&Rose. Alina&Rose focuses on fashion inspiration, street style and styling advice. Follow along for all things fashion! 

"We are so excited to co-host the NFW Influencer Mixer! Come out and shop with us to support the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund. We can’t wait to socialize and shop the night away!" - Senni and Olivia, Alina and Rose

Jami-lyn Fehr is a fashion-focused editor, photographer, and content creator. Outside of work, she’s a devotee to oat milk lattes, warm croissants and all things vintage Chanel. Her closet essentials? Black boots you can wear with anything, a well-worn tee, a blazer to dress anything up a smidge, and of course, some high-rise denim.

"I couldn’t be more excited to co-host this year’s NFW influencer mixer to meet more Nashvillians that share a love of fashion all the while benefiting the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund." - Jami-lyn Fehr, JL Babe

With endless optimism and a fierce desire for change, Silk + Raven’s mission is to make a difference in an industry ready for growth. Silk + Raven creates that difference by showcasing fashion and beauty brands that champion transparency, empower all people in the supply chain, and ensure the health of our beautiful planet!

“We are the creators of change! I am thrilled to be a part of the NFW Influencer Mixer, and I am very excited to meet other golden-hearted individuals paving paths towards a brighter future! We’ve been told to dress for the job we want, but now it’s time to dress for the world we want.” - Morgan Wisted, Silk + Raven

Bringing high performing skincare products that utilize the unique beneficial properties of Cannabis,  Herb Essntls has been able to pioneer a new market segment - Premium Cannabis Beauty. All products are engineered around oils derived from the Cannabis plant and fortified with organic ingredients to maximize the effect of the specific products and its purpose. Based in New York CIty, our product offering ranges from skincare to fragrance and ingestive. 

Tickets for the NFW Influencer Mixer and Closet Sale can be purchased at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. Proceeds from all Nashville Fashion Week events benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund is an endowed fund established to support the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing a financial award and resources for experiential professional development opportunities. 

Nashville Fashion Week will be held March 31 - April 4 in partnership with OZ Arts Nashville. Tickets to all individual events are available in a wide range of prices at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.