Another NFW Update

Dear Nashville, 

And, here we are again...When we postponed Nashville Fashion Week’s 10-year celebration on March 11 to August 4-8, we had no way of knowing the ongoing impact that COVID-19 would have on the world. What we did immediately recognize was that it was the responsible decision to put the well-being of our community first. Fast forward two and half months later and we find ourselves still in the midst of a debilitating pandemic. As we are all learning to adjust to life during this unprecedented time, it is clear that nothing is reverting back to “normal”. Business as usual is just not an option. We have carefully considered what is possible, practical and safe for Nashville Fashion Week and the unfortunate reality is that large group events are not going to be safe for quite some time. To say that we are disappointed would be a huge understatement, but our first priority has been and will always be the health and well-being of our community, guests, designers, models, sponsors, volunteers and team. We are halting any plans for live events and will move forward with a schedule of interactive virtual programming in August.

“I’m so proud of NFW and support their decision to bring the talent and energy and business of NFW to us all virtually... it’s where everything is happening right now. So, stay safe and join us and support Nashville’s designers." - Fern Mallis  

“We look forward to continuing the great partnership with Nashville Fashion Week in 2021. We share the organizer's feelings of disappointment about the need to cancel the in-person version of the 2020 edition, and are excited to be sharing ideas with them about online forms of engagement with the community this summer. We are all having to find creative ways to stay connected during this unusual year.” - OZ Arts President & CEO Tim Ozgener and Executive & Artistic Director Mark Murphy

Ticket and pass holders who have already purchased for NFW 2020 have the option to donate their purchase to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund or receive a full refund by contacting Amy Fair at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee at AFair@CFMT.org. Please send with this subject line: NFW Refund Request for (insert NAME). We hope that we can count on your continued support. Nashville Fashion Week will come back stronger than ever to celebrate with you in 2021. A new date will be announced when we are confident that it is safe to do so.

“The Community Foundation couldn’t be prouder to be part of the work Nashville Fashion Week has done to promote and support local designers each and every year. With the announcement that the shows would feature all Middle Tennessee designers for the 10th anniversary came the proudest moment yet, having seen how much the local fashion community has grown from within and been welcomed from the outside thanks in large part to the creative and supportive journey that has been Nashville Fashion Week.”  -Amy Fair, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Nashville Fashion Week was conceived in 2010 to foster Nashville’s heralded community spirit and concentration of creative, fashion-forward and entrepreneurial talent. That has not changed. We will present promotions and digital programming August 4-8 to support and showcase our local designers, makers, creative community and Shop Nashville retailers in a meaningful, impactful and memorable way. We invite everyone to join us online for these virtual events. Our fashion community needs connection and our support more than ever. The full schedule will be released on July 1 with complimentary tickets available at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. 

"Bright Event Productions has been a long-standing production partner with Nashville Fashion Week, and we are excited to help produce the 10-year anniversary shows. Bright is of course saddened by the cancellation, as the shows are truly experience, but understand that this decision is necessary for the health and safety of all involved. We are looking forward to being a part of the 2020 virtual experince and continuing to support the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund." - Clint Pinkinton, President of Bright Event Productions

We are grateful for the support and encouragement we have received during this difficult time. Stay tuned on our details for virtual programming for August. We encourage you to continue to support the people behind the brands and businesses that have moved Nashville fashion-forward. We are sending strength and support to all.

We Are Nashville Fashion. We are Nashville Strong.

❤️ 

Team NFW

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

an unfortunate Change of Plans

Dear Nashville,

We are devastated to share this announcement with you. While it is unprecedented in our 10-year history to not have the show go on, and especially for what was planned to be the celebration of a decade, Nashville Fashion Week 2020 is being rescheduled. 

Nashville Fashion Week was conceived in 2010 to foster Nashville’s heralded community spirit and concentration of creative, fashion-forward and entrepreneurial talent. The realities of the catastrophic impact of last week’s tornados paired with the evolving concerns and actions surrounding COVID-19 led us to this very difficult decision. After thousands of hours of planning from a dedicated volunteer team and generous support from sponsors and partners, this decision is heartbreaking. However, it’s the responsible thing to do. 

We feel the tremendous weight of not being able to support our local fashion community as planned. Our focus and commitments need to be alongside our fellow Nashvillians experiencing devastation. We are directing our efforts from the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund to support disaster relief and the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund. Both are managed by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. We ask you to join us if you are able.

"As someone who has been focused 24/7 on tornado relief since last Tuesday morning, I applaud this thoughtful decision, but know it was a difficult one. Central to this decision was concern for tornado survivors and members of our community concerned of what's to come with the ever-evolving Coronavirus." - Amy Fair, Vice President of Donor Services and Nashville Fashion Week Director

We have worked with our partner, OZ Arts Nashville, to confirm that the NFW Runway Shows and Nashville Fashion Forward Awards and Celebration will move to August 4-8, 2020. Other Nashville Fashion Week events already scheduled for the following dates will also be impacted. These dates will be rescheduled and we will communicate updates to you as plans are confirmed. 

• Influencer Mixer & Closet Sale (3/18)

• Men’s Style Event (3/24)

• In Dialogue: Suffrage, Style and Socials Movements (3/26)

• Feast on Fashion (3/28) 

• Nashville Fashion Talks: Diversity + Inclusion (3/30)

Tickets that have already been purchased will automatically transfer to the new dates for each event. Amy Fair, who handles all ticketing, will be in touch no later than March 15th to provide you with details about this transfer or assistance with refunds for those unable to make the August 2020 dates work. We hope that you will continue to support the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund.

“Nashville Fashion Week has become a favorite spring event at OZ Arts, but we appreciate the organizers’ thoughtful decision to reschedule while the community focuses on its most urgent needs. We are very happy that we can accommodate new dates for the annual runway shows and awards, and look forward to celebrating 10 years of Nashville Fashion Week as proud partners this summer.”  - OZ Arts President & CEO Tim Ozgener and Executive & Artistic Director Mark Murphy 

As we band together to support relief efforts during this very trying time, we encourage you to support the people behind brands and businesses that have moved Nashville fashion-forward. We currently plan to move ahead with scheduled Learning Labs and our annual Shop Nashville initiative March 31- April 4, although this too could change due to impending actions for COVID-19. We have five NFW Learning Labs and forty-eight Shop Nashville events planned with businesses across our city that need us more than ever. 

We have an overwhelming amount of work ahead of us to rebuild, but we will continue to diligently support the next generation of fashion industry professionals and our community. We are sending strength and support to all.

We Are Nashville Fashion. We are Nashville Strong.

❤️ 

Team NFW 

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.