The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Gala Set to Celebrate Creativity on Final Night of Nashville Fashion Week

THE NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD GALA SET TO CELEBRATE CREATIVITY ON FINAL NIGHT OF NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK

The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee invites the local community to celebrate and support the resolute, entrepreneurial spirit of Nashville fashion community at the third annual Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Gala, co-chaired by Alizah Greenberg and Gen Sohr, on Saturday, April 9 at OZ Nashville. 

Nashville Fashion Week is excited to welcome Mayor Megan Barry as the keynote speaker. Mayor Barry will speak to the importance of the arts and creativity as a cornerstone of the Nashville economy. Singer-songwriter Holly Williams will join Mayor Barry and fashion designer Julianna Bass, the 2011 Nashville Fashion Forward award recipient, as guest speakers at the event.  Williams will also perform during the evening’s festivities. 

“The fashion industry here in Nashville is a vital component of the artistic and creative economy which is critical to the success of our city,” said Mayor Megan Barry. “It is wonderful to see fashion designers and industry leaders coming together to support their fellow fashion designers at the Nashville Fashion Forward Gala which supports the important work of 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. 

“As a fashion enthusiast and entrepreneur here in Nashville, it is vital that we support worthy causes like the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund,” said Holly Williams. “I am looking forward to co-hosting the gala alongside Mayor Megan Barry.”

For the second year, Nashville Fashion Week will present the Nashville Fashion Forward Awards at the Gala. Award recognitions include the Nashville Style Icon, Fashion Forward, Legacy, Face of Fashion, Rising Star (sponsored by The Mall at Green Hills) and Point of View (sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka).  

Individual tickets to the Gala can be purchased for $150, tables of 10 for $1,250, and sponsored tables for $2,500. 

Julianna Bass has also been added to the City Lights: Ready-to-Wear Runway Show designer lineup at Legislative Plaza on April 9. The City Lights Show is sponsored by The Mall at Green Hills.

Julianna Bass is an American fashion designer who debuted her eponymous women’s collection with a runway presentation during AW15 New York Fashion Week. Bass is a Tennessee native who moved to New York to study fashion and costume design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

“It is an honor to be presenting at Nashville Fashion Week this year,” said Julianna Bass. “The brand is stretched all over the world, but there is something to be said about coming home. I was thrilled to have been awarded the first Nashville Fashion Forward Fund award, and I used it to expand my knowledge of international fashion trade shows. I traveled to the Bread & Butter Show in Berlin, Germany. And, while visiting Berlin I was so inspired that I decided to make the move from New York two years ago. My time in Berlin has given me an incredible mix of freedom and focus, where I can truly design from my authentic self. And, while I am now back in New York full time to focus on brand expansion, living in Berlin opened a world of possibilities for me both personally and professionally.”

Nashville Fashion Week is April 5 - 9 at unique locations throughout the city. The full schedule, All Access Passes and tickets to all events are now available in a range of prices at nashvillefashionweek.com. All proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

ABOUT NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK
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 the week 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.

Nashville Fashion Week Announces Three Nights of Runway Shows

Nashville Fashion Week Announces Three Nights of Runway Shows

All locations for Nashville Fashion Week 2016 are set and tickets are now on sale for all events. The sixth annual five-day event will kick off on Tuesday, April 5 with the East Meets West Designer Runway Show at Studio 615 in East Nashville and close on Saturday night with the third annual Fashion Forward Gala at OZ Nashville on the west side of the city. 

Opening night will feature designers from New York to London. Brooke Atwood, Michael Drummond, Daniella Kallmeyer and Francesca Marotta will show their collections at Studio 615 (272 Broadmoor Drive) on Tuesday, April 5. Studio 615 is a state of the art photo, video & event facility. Its goal is to be a force in building and shaping community in East Nashville and throughout the city.

Wednesday night is the Nashville Designer Showcase at Track One (1211 4th Ave South). Truly Alvarenga, Ona Rex, Roxenstone and Amanda Valentine will show with emerging designers Any Old Iron and Sisters of Nature. The Track One Garage is one of the most versatile and largest industrial on-trend event spaces in downtown Nashville. With over 14,000 square feet of usable space it offers a beautiful blank canvas with unique features for a variety of events. The Nashville Designer Showcase is sponsored by Opry Mills. 

"We enjoy finding unique locations that celebrate the creativity of Nashville to host our events. Nashville Fashion Week has popped up in a variety of settings over the years,” said Mike Smith, Nashville Fashion Week co-founder. "Whether high above the city at The Pinnacle at Symphony Place to historic locations such as The Arcade, The Parthenon or in an old church, our guests know that they are going to experience something new and exciting. 

"Three of the locations this year are used primarily as shared work space for the creative community. These venues seem very appropriate considering the impact that creatives make in Nashville every day."

A Pre-Show Reception at Waller, Lansden, Dortch and Davis will set the stage for Friday night’s show at Legislative Plaza. Nashville Fashion Week guests will enjoy sweeping views of the city from the 27th floor of the City Center (511 Union Street) before the runway show. Oberima Afriyie, Megan Huntz and Lagi Nadeau will be joined by Eleventy in front of the Tennessee State Capitol at Legislative Plaza (301 6th Avenue North) for The City Lights: Ready-to-Wear Runway Show, sponsored by The Mall at Green Hills. 

Eleventy will be presented by Levy’s. Eleventy was launched in 2007 by CEO Marco Baldassari, Paolo Zuntini and Andrea Scuderi. Made in Italy, the brand operates in the luxury sector with high-quality, wide-ranging and well-defined men’s and women’s collections, hallmarked by an identifiable style with no need for a logo. The collection is about lifestyle rather than status. eleventy.it

Details on Nashville Shops Day, Thursday's Accessory Installation Gallery at WELD, Saturday’s Education Panels at City Winery and the Nashville Fashion Forward Gala will be announced soon.

Proceeds from all Nashville Fashion Week events benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, 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.

All Access Passes and individual night tickets are available in a range of prices at nashvillefashionweek.com.

PURCHASE TICKETS

ABOUT NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK
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 the week 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.

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2016 ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF RUNWAY DESIGNERS

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2016 ANNOUNCES FIRST ROUND OF RUNWAY DESIGNERS

Tickets on sale now for Nashville's signature fashion event

Nashville Fashion Week is excited to announce the first thirteen designers to be featured at unique runway locations throughout the city during year six of the five-day event.

Six Nashville-based designers will present their collections on Wednesday, April 6. Returning NFW favorites Truly Alvarenga, Ashley Balding, Denise Roxen and Amanda Valentine will be joined by new designers Andrew Clancey and Kimberly Parker. Michael Drummond, Danielle Kallmeyer, Francesca Marotta and Afriyie Poku will join Nashville Fashion Week veterans Brooke Atwood, Megan Huntz and Lagi Nadeau from cities coast to coast throughout the rest of the week.

Nashville Fashion Week 2016 will include runway shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights; city-wide shopping events and an artistic accessory installation on Thursday; and end with educational panels and the third annual Nashville Fashion Forward Gala on Saturday. More specific event details will be announced soon.

All proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, an endowed fund established to support the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing financial award and resources for experiential professional development opportunities.  

Nashville Fashion Wek 2016 will be held April 5-9. All Access Passes and tickets for individual events are on sale now at nashvillefashionweek.com.

PURCHASE TICKETS

TRULY ALVARENGA
Truly Alvarenga Is known best for her beautiful handmade one-of-a-kind garments that are minimalist, uncluttered and refined in their shaping. Truly pays meticulous attention to detail and has attracted an impressive numbers of admirers, who appreciate the craftsmanship as well as the inspired stories behind the one-of-a-kind collections. trulyalvarenga.com

BROOKE ATWOOD
Brooke Atwood received her degree in business at the University of Mississippi and her design degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design. She grew up sewing with her grandmother and riding horses with her rodeo cowboy father. Although Brooke was raised in the south, she would never call herself a “proper southern girl,” choosing instead to be influenced by abstract art and independent music.

After receiving her degree she opened her own boutique in Mississippi. In 2012 – after selling her acclaimed boutique to pursue her design dream – Brooke launched her namesake brand with a collection of leather tees. brookeatwood.com

ASHLEY BALDING
Ona Rex is the creative endeavor of designer Ashley Balding. It was formed in 2014 with an aim to bring women’s wear to Nashville that is unique, bold, and luxurious. Each piece of the collection is crafted in house with extreme care and attention to detail – whether it’s using custom hand woven textiles, or artfully sculpted accessories. Ona Rex holds its tradition of uniqueness to the highest regard. onarex.com

ANDREW CLANCEY
Any Old Iron was born six years ago in New York as the U.S.'s first ever multi-brand British Mens boutique.

Since its move to Nashville two years ago, owner and designer Andrew Clancey has been working toward his first collection for the brand. Focusing on tailoring with a twist, Clancey and co-owner, Christopher Melton, aim to establish themselves with musicians and fashionista's alike. shopaoi.com

MICHAEL DRUMMOND
Project Runway veteran (season eight) whose client list includes actress Tika Sumpter, New York Fashion Week founder Fern Malis, and supermodel/TV host Heidi Klum. His work has been showcased alongside Alexander McQueen, Viktor and Rolf, Maison Martin Margiela, and Iris van Herpen in the highly recognized "A Queen Within" at the World Chess Hall of Fame.  

Drummond has also worked as a costume designer for countless operas, dances, and theatrical productions in the USA and Europe. michaeldrummond.net

MEGAN HUNTZ
Megan Huntz is an American fashion designer based in Atlanta. She founded her slow-fashion collection, Megan Huntz Dresses, in 2010, after spending nearly a decade in Italy and Spain, designing for companies such as Spazio Lazzari of Treviso and the MaxMara group.

Huntz graduated from Pratt Institute with a degree in Industrial Design and studied fashion at Domus Academy in Milan. meganhuntz.com

DANIELLA KALLMEYER
KALLMEYER New York is a womens wear and accessories brand made in the United States with careful intention and purpose, combining European luxury techniques with contemporary accessibility

KALLMEYER is dedicated to empowering and enabling women to be who she aspires to become; today. Daniella Kallmeyer applies this philosophy to every design and uniquely updated wardrobe staple- a crisp white shirt, a perfectly cut trouser, a sleek bag- with special attention to fabrics and fit. daniellakallmeyer.com

FRANCESCA MAROTTA
Francesca Marotta's designs and creations have won her numerous awards in UK, France Turkey and Italy.

Francesca Marotta has had shows in London, New York, Philadelphia, Istanbul, Syracusa, Los Angeles, Paris, Brussels and Osaka. Her designs have been featured in Harpers, Vogue Italia, Vogue UK, The Financial Times, and many others. Celebrities such as Karrueche Tran, Natasha Bedingfield, Natalie Dormer, Jessie J, Ana Matronic, Skin from Skunk Anansie, Kelly Brook, Irina Lazareanu, Jodie Kidd have worn the label. francescamarotta.com

LAGI NADEAU
The LAGI NADEAU collection blends high-end sophistication with feminine styling. This distinct style is emphasized by the designer's use of luxurious fabrications mixed with interesting detailing. Nadeau creates high quality, authentic pieces made in the USA, for women who have a strong sense of self and style. laginadeau.com

KIMBERLY PARKER
Sisters of Nature is a lifestyle brand for dreamers, adventurers and free spirits. Inspired by the wild beauty of nature with a new bohemian folk aesthetic, each piece embodies the woman who loves to travel the world, soak in life and celebrate her unique individuality.

Designed by Kimberly Parker, the private label is proudly made in the rolling green hills of Nashville, TN. sistersofnatureboutique.com

AFRIYIE POKU
Oberima Afriyie seeks to inspire and provide clothing for Individuals to use to create themselves, while promoting the acceptance of Differences.

OA's first collection, "Kabukimono" derives from the Edo Period of Japan. These individuals were ronin warriors from the Edo period of Japan who strayed away from cultural norms of their time; representing their sense of individuality through various mediums - attire being one of them. oberimaafriyie.com

DENISE ROXEN
It all started with Rock music when Denise Roxen saw the coolest image of a young Keith Richards. Everything he wore clashed so incredibly. When her band went separate ways, Denise knew fashion was her next calling and that she had to transfer her rock vision into clothing.

Roxenstone inspires confidence that goes against the mainstream. Roxenstone is for men that have a little bit of Rock N Roll in their soul. roxenstone.com

AMANDA VALENTINE
Amanda Valentine is a women's ready-to-wear collection created by designer and stylist Amanda Valentine. Amanda competed on Project Runway (Seasons 11 and 13) and has been voted "Nashville's Best Fashion Designer" by readers of the Nashville Scene for the last four years.

While creating collections, Amanda styles wardrobe for numerous rock bands including Twenty One Pilots and infuses her women’s line with edge - and always ease. Bold prints, dramatic color blocking and exaggerated silhouettes make an appearance each collection. amandavalentine.com

ABOUT NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK
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 the week 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.

AMAX Talent and Nashville Fashion Week Announce Model Search 2016

AMAX Talent is searching for aspiring models to debut at Nashville Fashion Week 2016. Eligible male and female applicants ages 13-30 have the opportunity to submit their application and meet with AMAX Talent scouts in person on February 25 from 3 - 5:30 p.m. at Marathon Village, 1310 Clinton Street, Suite 217 and again on Saturday, April 2 from 2-4 at Macy's 2nd Level at The Mall at Green Hills. Finalists will be selected and the winner announced on April 5 at Nashville Fashion Week.

The winner will receive a prize package that includes:

• $1,000 modeling contract with AMAX Talent
• The opportunity to walk in a Nashville Fashion Week show 
• The opportunity to meet one-on-one with top national modeling agents including IMG, Next, Elite and Ford
• A professional photo shoot with photographer Brett Warren

No experience is required, but applicants must meet all of the physical and age requirements specified on NFWModelSearch.com. Only models NOT represented by other agencies are eligible to participate. All applicants will also be considered for Nashville Fashion Week model casting.

The AMAX + NFW Model Search has been a launchpad for successful modeling careers. 2015 Model Search winner 15-year-old Briggs Rudder is currently in development and has been photographed by several notable photographers. 2014 Model Search winner Sydney Chiyoko signed with Next Model Management and has walked in Nashville Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week. 2014 finalists Camryn Clark and Sarah Beth Elder have signed with IMG Worldwide and FORD Chicago. 2013 winner Olivia Brunner has been featured in Justine Magazine and worked for TJ Maxx. Caleigh Darraugh, the 2012 Model Search winner, has worked in Paris, New York, Los Angeles and Asia. Her clients include Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade, Gilt Group, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire France and L’Officiel and she has appeared on the cover of WWD and L’Officiel Morocco. 2012 finalist Lydia Touchton has signed with Elite Model Management.

AMAX is a full service agency representing models in fashion, commercial and lifestyle, actors and children, as well as hair, make-up and wardrobe stylists. AMAX models have been featured in campaigns for CHANEL, Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Ralph Lauren, FENDI, COACH and American Eagle, as well as walked the runways of Marc Jacobs, Prada, Versace, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and many more. Through an emphasis on both local and direct booking, scouting and developing local models for international placement, AMAX has quickly risen to become one of the premier agencies in the Southeast. AMAX Talent has a history of discovering and developing fashion stars such as Vogue cover girl Binx Walton, Saint Laurent muse Sarah Engelland and 2015 Sports Illustrated cover girl Hannah Davis.

AMAX Talent is the exclusive modeling agency for Nashville Fashion Week 2016. For more information, please visit  NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

ABOUT NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK
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 the week 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.

Nashville Fashion Week Announces 2015 Fashion Forward Fund Recipient and Advisory Council

Nashville Fashion Week has named Eric Bornhop of Eric Adler Clothing as the 2015 recipient of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT). The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund is an endowed fund that supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing financial awards and resources for experiential professional development opportunities. 

Established in 2011 by the co-founders of Nashville Fashion Week, the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund and application process is managed by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Award recipients are selected based on pre-established criteria inspired by the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA)/VOGUE Fashion Fund to advance the career of select local talent with demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field. Applications are accepted each fall with the recipient announced in January. A committee of the Board of CFMT selected Bornhop from a group of experienced fashion industry applicants with ties to Middle Tennessee. Bornhop is the first male designer to be selected as a recipient of the fund.

“Eric Adler Clothing wouldn’t be where it is today without Nashville Fashion Week,” Bornhop said. “Nashville Fashion Week has provided me with a network of peers and resources, expansive exposure and marketing opportunities and the ability to organically plant my roots in my home city of Nashville.  In a rapidly emerging fashion community, Nashville Fashion Week has provided a springboard for an emerging designer like myself to get their foot in the door, one of the hardest feats to overcome in fashion.” 

Eric Adler Clothing was born in the mountains of Southern Spain and raised in the hills of Middle Tennessee. In 2012, while living in Spain, he was inspired by street culture to create his own line of clothing. After returning to Nashville, he worked as an apprentice under local legend and fashion designer Manuel Cuevas. Manuel taught Bornhop the art of tailoring and encouraged him to explore his own personal style. Eric developed his own clothing line at night and on weekends while working with Manuel. Eric Adler made its debut in 2014 at Nashville Fashion Week after being selected as one of ten featured emerging designers that year. Since then he has opened his own Green Hills studio where he designs and tailors for Alan Jackson, Big Kenny, Shania Twain and more. 

“It is so great to see leaders in the fashion industry and the broader Nashville community coming together to help support the creative entrepreneurs like Eric Bornhop to take their businesses to the next level,” said Mayor Barry. “Nashville Fashion Week presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase the talented and artistic men and women who are the cornerstone of our creative economy.”  

Nashville Fashion Week also announced the formation of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Advisory Council. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Advisory Council is made up of industry and community leaders that will serve as active ambassadors for the Fund and the Nashville Fashion Week brand. Council members will assist the co-founders and executive team in finding ways to maximize resources and opportunities for NFW events and fundraising efforts by providing objective advice, industry insight and introductions necessary to move Nashville fashion forward. Council members for 2016/2017 are:

Muna Abboud
Lisa Bush
Crystal Churchwell
Stephanie Cohen
Jen Cole
Shelly Colvin
Rick Cottle
Robert Darwell
Vincent Dreffs
Marcy Eskind
Liza Graves
Alizah Greenberg
Malcolm Greenwood
Alex Hughes

Chris Hyndman
David Levy
Kimberly Lewis
Mark Mason    
Erin McAnally
Jodi Miller
Janice Elliott Morgan
Martha Nemer
Elizabeth Nichols
Aylin Ozgener
Ashley Parks
Lauren Leonard Phelps
Elizabeth Pitcher
Ellen Pryor

Sylvia Rapoport
Stacey Rhodes
Olivia Nash Richardson
Linda Roberts
Tarasina Schneller
Poni Silver
Gen Sohr
Stacie Standifer
Cherylann Stephens
Jeff Teague
Brett Warren
Abby White
Barry Wishnow

The sixth annual Nashville Fashion Week will be held April 5-9 in select venues across the city. All Access Passes for Nashville Fashion Week 2016 are now available at NowPlayingNashville.com for $350 through February 21 for access to all Nashville Fashion Week events, including the Fashion Forward Gala. The price will increase to $400 on February 22 when individual event tickets are made available.  

Visit nashvillefashionweek.com for additional information.

ABOUT NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK
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 the week 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.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 1,050 charitable funds, providing customized philanthropic solutions with flexibility for donors, nonprofit organizations and the community. In the past 24 years, The Community Foundation has distributed more than $715 million to community programs and institutions. It is located at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, #400, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.