Nashville Fashion is Moving Forward

BUILDING AN ECOSYSTEM:
NASHVILLE FASHION IS MOVING FORWARD

It's been a very productive few weeks. Last week, Nashville Fashion Week hosted and collaborated with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) President, CaSandra Diggs and CFDA Connects Consulting Director Elliot Carlyle to align and build the foundation for a viable fashion industry ecosystem in Middle Tennessee.

Nashville Fashion Week has invested over $1.4 million into Nashville's fashion community over the past twelve years. This was accomplished with the heart and hustle of an all-volunteer led and run organization that has relied solely on sponsors and ticket sales to produce events and activations while providing experiential opportunities to nine Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipients through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Fashion is one of the most influential drivers of culture, a beloved art and entertainment form, but we have not taken advantage of the fact that it is also one of the largest economic forces in the world. Now is the time for Nashville to change that.

The Nashville Fashion Week team, including new Nashville Fashion Forward leadership team member David Fischette of Go West Creative, invited and met with a curated group of community leaders, elected officials and organizations at W Nashville on Wednesday, May 4. The focus of the event was to present a proposed new direction for Nashville Fashion Week and to lobby for the Nashville fashion industry securing resources and financial support to build the foundation for a fashion industry ecosystem.

The following community and industry leaders attended the event with commitments to continue the conversation on how to support moving Nashville fashion forward. The individuals highlighted below in pink made statements to the group in support of the mission of moving Nashville fashion forward:

Office of Mayor John Cooper
- Courtney Pogue - Director of Economic & Community Development
- Mrs. Laura Fitzgerald-Cooper

Metro Nashville Council Members
- Kyonzte Toombs, District 2
- Jeff Syracuse, District 15
- Freddie O’Connell, District 19
- Joy Styles, District 32

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation
- Heather Middleton, SR Vice President Of Marketing

Nashville Chamber of Commerce
- Hannah Holmes, Manager of Member Value
- Victoria Quigley, Director of Small Business Growth

Supermodel, Entrepreneur, Artist, & Activist
- Karen Elson
- Bonnie Dee Bowden - Karen Elson, Inc.

Launch TN
- Ashley Currie, Marketing & Communications Director

BrainTrust
- Sherry Deutschmann, Founder & CEO

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
- Amy Fair, Vice President of Donor Services

OJAS Partners
- Lizzy LeBleu, Real Estate Advisor

oneC1TY
- Caitlin Arnold, Marketing & Development

Middle Tennessee State University
- Rick Cottle, Associate Professor of Fashion & Apparel
- David Foster, Director of Marketing & Communications

Vanderbilt University
Deanna Meador, Director of Entrepreneurship, Wond’ry - Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center

Go West Creative
- David Fischette, CEO & Chief Creative

Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Recipients
- Megan Prange, Prange Apparel (2019)
- Maria Silver, Black by Maria Silver (2017)

Nashville Lifestyles
- Alison Abbey, Editor In Chief
- Brian Barry, Publisher

Tennessean
- Sherah Ndjongo - Business Reporter

In addition, both Kelly Helfman, Commercial President of Informa Markets Fashion - Organizers of MAGIC, and Fern Mallis, the creator and founder of New York Fashion Week and long-time Nashville Fashion Week advisor, shared their support through written statements. MAGIC Fashion Events also made a significant monetary contribution to support the vision of moving Nashville fashion forward. The gathering was a pivotal moment for the future of Nashville Fashion Week and for Nashville's fashion industry. Followup meetings and planning are in the works. The Nashville Fashion Week email list will receive updates as progress ensues.

View photos from the Meeting HERE.

The conversation was continued at an in-person fundraising event and live stream recording of Moving Fashion Forward - A Conversation with NFW + CFDA featuring CFDA President, CaSandra Diggs and NFW Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Marcia Masulla on Thursday, May 5. The interactive and engaging program included a dynamic customized Nashville Fashion Week branded set with high-level professional production presented in partnership with Go West Creative. Guests also enjoyed savory bites from The Pink Hermit of The Hermitage Hotel and refreshments from Tito's Handmade Vodka and Love & Exile Wines while they mingled prior to the recorded conversation.

Screen the conversation from your laptop or mobile device at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

View photos from the Conversation HERE.

Thank you for your continued support and feedback as we plan to make an impact for the future of fashion in Nashville together. Stay tuned! #WHYNFW

Live Stream: A Conversation on Moving Fashion Forward

Today is the day! Please join us tonight for the live stream of Moving Fashion Forward - A Conversation with NFW + CFDA at 6:40 p.m. CST featuring CFDA President, CaSandra Diggs and NFW Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Marcia Masulla.

This engaging program, presented in partnership with Go West Creative, will focus on the next steps in building a viable fashion industry ecosystem in Middle Tennessee and beyond. It will also be available to watch on the Nashville Fashion Week Facebook page (CLICK HERE) and recorded to watch on our website post event.

CaSandra Diggs is an innovative thinker with a strong understanding of organizational and business operations. CaSandra is a veteran to the organization and fashion industry, having joined the CFDA in 2001. She served as CFDA’s Chief Administrative and Financial Officer before being named CFDA President in 2020. As President, she is charged with developing strategy and making decisions that further the CFDA’s purpose to champion, educate, and support its membership and the fashion industry-at-large.

"Nashville is an amazing cultural destination that lends itself to the equitable, sustainable, and commercial tenants of fashion. The community is poised for building a thriving fashion economy that creates opportunities for both entrepreneurs and professionals who desire to be a part of an enormously creative and innovative industry. CFDA with its Connects, regional program, is excited to join with Nashville Fashion Week and support its fashionable evolution to business trade leader. " - CaSandra Diggs, President, Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA)

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962, whose membership consists of 477 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers. The mission of the CFDA is to strengthen the impact of American fashion in the global economy. Nashville Fashion Week was selected in 2021 by the CFDA as one of twelve regional organizations nationwide that were invited to join and benefit from their new CFDA Connects initiative.

It's not too late to join us tonight for the networking mixer and live-recording of Moving Fashion Forward - A Conversation with NFW + CFDA from 6 - 8 p.m. at The Studio Collection at Go West, 528 Rundle Avenue.

The conversation will be followed by a Q & A opportunity for audience members to participate. Only a few $30 tickets remain. Proceeds will benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Light bites will be provided by The Pink Hermit at The Hermitage Hotel with refreshments from Tito's Handmade Vodka and Love & Exile.

We look forward to seeing you there!

NFW + CFDA at Go West Creative

YOU'RE INVITED TO JOIN NFW + CFDA
ON THURSDAY, MAY 5 AT THE STUDIO COLLECTION AT GO WEST

Nashville Fashion Week is hosting and collaborating with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) next week. Both organizations are aligning to meet with community leaders and organizations at the W Nashville with the focus on taking the vital next steps in building a viable fashion industry ecosystem in Middle Tennessee.

Nestled in Nashville’s vibrant Gulch neighborhood, W Nashville, is a destination within a destination where global guests are immersed in a locally-charged cultural scene celebrating music, art, design and craftsmanship. Featuring 346 rooms, 60 suites and over 26,000 square feet of outdoor space, W Nashville offers six street access venues including the Barista Parlor coffee shop, and The Dutch and Carne Mare restaurants from award-winning Chef Andrew Carmellini. W Nashville’s striking Proof rooftop bar, sophisticated and moody Living Room bar, and 10,000 square foot WET Deck featuring the largest hotel pool area in the city provide a day-to-night experience for guests and locals alike to explore.

A special fundraising engagement will also be hosted on Thursday, May 5 from 6 - 8 p.m. at The Studio Collection at Go West, 528 Rundle Avenue. A limited number of tickets are available to attend the networking mixer and live-recording of Moving Fashion Forward - A Conversation with NFW + CFDA featuring CFDA President, CaSandra Diggs and NFW Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Marcia Masulla.  

This engaging evening is presented in partnership with Go West Creative and will also be live-streamed and recorded. For anyone who plans to join virtually, a livestream link will be provided. The conversation will be followed by a Q & A opportunity for audience members to participate. Only fifty tickets are available for this event. Proceeds will benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. 

CaSandra Diggs is an innovative thinker with a strong understanding of organizational and business operations. CaSandra is a veteran to the organization and fashion industry, having joined the CFDA in 2001. She served as CFDA’s Chief Administrative and Financial Officer before being named CFDA President in 2020. As President, she is charged with developing strategy and making decisions that further the CFDA’s purpose to champion, educate, and support its membership and the fashion industry-at-large. 

"Nashville is an amazing cultural destination that lends itself to the equitable, sustainable, and commercial tenants of fashion. The community is poised for building a thriving fashion economy that creates opportunities for both entrepreneurs and professionals who desire to be a part of an enormously creative and innovative industry. CFDA with its Connects, regional program, is excited to join with Nashville Fashion Week and support its fashionable evolution to business trade leader. " - CaSandra Diggs, President, Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962, whose membership consists of 477 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers. The mission of the CFDA is to strengthen the impact of American fashion in the global economy. 

Tickets for this fundraising event are available now for $30 at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. Direct donations to benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee are also accepted on our website.

Light bites will be provided by The Pink Hermit at The Hermitage Hotel with refreshments from Tito's Handmade Vodka and Love & Exile.

“On behalf of The Pink Hermit, and The Hermitage Hotel, we are so thrilled to participate in Nashville Fashion Week this year. This past month has been an exciting one, as we have welcomed our guests and the Nashville community to the chic, all-day café by Jean-Georges. We are looking forward to catering the event and hope that all attendees feel the warm welcome that The Pink Hermit brings to the neighborhood.”  - Kelsi Armijo, Hermitage Hotel Executive Chef

This past March, The Hermitage Hotel officially opened their latest restaurant, The Pink Hermit, a new café by the hotel’s culinary collaborator, Michelin-Starred Chef, and internationally celebrated Restauranteur Jean-Georges Vongerichten, which complements Drusie & Darr, the hotel’s new flagship restaurant. The interior was created by award-winning interior designer Thomas Juul-Hansen. The Pink Hermit’s name is derived from the definition of hermitage as a “secluded retreat,” and the intimate space, clad in pale pink and gray marble, welcomes guests with casual counter seating indoors and outdoor café seating in the warm weather. Evolving throughout the course of the day, The Pink Hermit serves as a café with barista bar and delectable pastries in the morning, a casual take-away for lunch, and small bites, Champagne and handcrafted cocktails in the evening. Overseen by The Hermitage Hotel’s Executive Chef, Kelsi Armijo, the menu features Jean-Georges’ classics such as Chia Seed Pudding, Roasted Beet Greek Salad, Egg Toast with Caviar Herbs, and Charcuterie Board, alongside fan favorites from the Drusie & Darr dinner menu, including Black Truffle Pizza, Ahi Tuna Tartare, Crispy Sushi, Salted Caramel Sundae and other decadent desserts. 

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Go West Creative is a team of explorers bringing brand visions to life through strategic creative thinking, clear messaging, distinctive design, and unparalleled live, virtual + hybrid experiences. They offer comprehensive services from stunning stage designs, immersive lighting displays, and crisp, clear, impressive audio visual which are all part of our full production services. Going even further, our branded experiences, communication and entertainment strategies, talent sourcing and VIP concierge services enable them to deliver a turn-key solution for our clients.

“The very first project that I worked on when I landed in Nashville eight years ago was a fashion show. I have been intrigued by the community and have also wondered, on many occasions, why it was not as big as NY and LA… there is so much creativity in our town. So I have become a huge fan of the work that Marcia and Connie have been doing and I’m excited that we can partner with them next week as we host the CFDA in our studios.”
- David Fischette, CEO and Chief Creative, Go West Creative Group

Go West Creative is a boutique agency that specializes in ideating, designing and producing high-touch, engaging, unique events. For their team, it’s about developing long-standing partnerships with their clients and having no limitations in how they serve them. At times, it may be a brand activation in a public setting or a corporate broadcast, or it might be a large, complex event experience. Their foundation is their strength and the rest is all in their approach.

Shop Nashville Pop Up Market at oneC1TY on Saturday!

TWO DAYS LEFT FOR NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2021

Day four of Nashville Fashion Week is here and we are in high gear. 

Our Digital Designer Runway Program is LIVE on the global Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Runway 360 digital platform, our SOLD OUT Learning Labs are in full swing and The Intersection of Sound + Style: A Conversation + Museum Tour presented by the National Museum of African American Music is tonight. A very limited number of tickets are still available for this special engagement. Visit NashvilleFashionWeek.com to reserve your tickets. Once the tickets are gone...they are gone!

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TOMORROW: SHOP NASHVILLE AT ONEC1TY

Nashville Fashion Week has hosted Shop Nashville, a city-wide celebration designed to encourage and support the Nashville retail community with creative and interactive ways to support our Nashville businesses, since our inception in 2011. While our runway format puts the focus on apparel creators, for this year we have created an opportunity for Middle Tennessee’s creative maker and retail community as well. Eight NFW designers and a diverse selection of twenty-two other fashion-related vendors will showcase their brands at the first Shop Nashville Pop Up Market presented by oneC1TY on Saturday, October 16 from 12 - 4 p.m. 

10% of all vendor sales will be donated to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to show their support for our local fashion community. 

Enjoy the outdoor shopping experience with refreshments provided by Tito's Handmade Vodka and Blade and Bow from Kindred Bar Catering while enjoying the tunes of DJ Maggie Wells. Please click the ticket link above to register for this event so that we can plan our refreshments accordingly.

oneC1TY is a collection of residents, visitors, workplace innovators, fitness instructors and culinary artists gathered on 19 acres in West Nashville to bring about a new way of life – one that is focused on the enjoyment of health, wellness and physical activity. Our mission is to make mindful, healthy living, easy … please join us at oneC1TY to learn more!

2021 SHOP NASHVILLE POP UP MARKET VENDORS:

Visit NashvilleFashionWeek.com for full details on all of these events and links to each vendor's website. Please make plans to shop and support all of these vendors next week. Our independent businesses need us now more than ever!

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You can view all of our designer runway shows, lookbooks and even shop their collections for FREE, but we encourage you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation of $20, or more if you can, to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Your contribution will help underwrite all of the work and resources put into our digital programming and support our Nashville fashion community for years to come. 

The future of Nashville Fashion Week depends on it.

Thank you!

Digital Designer Runway Collections Are Now Live!

Today is the day everyone has been waiting for.

The Nashville Fashion Week 2021 designer portfolios and runway show videos are NOW LIVE on the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Runway360 global platform! This is our first foray into producing an extensive digital program, but we can't wait for you to experience what these talented designers have been creating. Much gratitude to Middle Tennessee State University, our video production partner, for all of the hard work and dedication they poured into executing this programming.

You can view all of the designer runway shows, view their lookbooks and even shop their looks for FREE, but we encourage you to please consider making $20, or more if you can, a tax-deductible donation to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to help underwrite the production costs to create this digital programming and support our Nashville fashion community for years to come.

The future of Nashville Fashion Week depends on it.

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We had a remarkable evening celebrating year eleven of Nashville Fashion Week with our VIP guests at The Westin Nashville and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum! The winner of the NFW + Country Music Hall of Fame Suiting The Sound Design Competition was announced at our Suiting the Sound: The Rodeo Tailors Who Made Country Stars Shine Brighter event.

Congratulations to all of the finalists. - Braylee Flaska, Any Old Iron and Wear It Out by by Manny.

The designer with the most votes is...Manny Cuevas, President & Designer of Wear It Out by Manny. Thank you for voting!

Couldn't join us in-peson last night? You can watch the full Suiting the Sound: The Rodeo Tailors Who Made Country Stars Shine Brighter Panel Discussion HERE from the comfort of your home or mobile device and at your convenience.

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DAY THREE | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14

ONLY 10 TICKETS ARE LEFT!

TIKTOK, TECH AND TRENDS:THE EVOLVING BUSINESS OF FASHION

Presented in partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the WB Collective Powered by WBEC South 

Thursday, October 14 |  4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Location: WB Collective Nashville
613 Ewing Ave, 2nd Floor Nashville, TN 37203

Admission: FREE ticket with registration

Only a few more tickets remain for this interactive panel discussion which will offer varying perspectives on evolutionary business practices in the fashion and retail industry. This event will also include an opportunity to shop a curated selection of #Nashpreneurs pop-up shops and time to network while enjoying light bites and refreshments provided by Titos Handmade Vodka and Blade and Bow.

The panel will be moderated by Phala Mire, President and CEO of WBEC South. Panelists include Steven Romeo, Founder/CEO, Music City Creative; Trinity Wiles, Co-Founder, Where and Share Inc.; and Anna Caroline Toms, Owner, LA Green Nashville.

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SHOP NASHVILLE THIS SATURDAY!

Nashville Fashion Week has hosted Shop Nashville, a city-wide celebration designed to encourage and support the Nashville retail community with creative and interactive ways to support our Nashville businesses, since our inception in 2011. While our runway format puts the focus on apparel creators, for this year we have created an opportunity for Middle Tennessee’s creative maker and retail community as well. Seven NFW designers and a diverse selection of twenty-five fashion-related vendors will showcase their brands at the first Shop Nashville Pop Up Market presented by oneC1TY on Saturday, October 16 from 12 - 4 p.m. 10% of all vendor sales will be donated to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to show their support for our local fashion community.

Enjoy the outdoor shopping experience with refreshments provided by Tito's Handmade Vodka and Blade and Bow from Kindred Bar Catering while enjoying the tunes of DJ Maggie Wells. Please register for this event at the link above so that we can plan our refreshments accordingly.