Nashville Fashion Week Makes Lots Of Announcements at Kickoff Party

We had a great time and made a lot of big announcements at the Nashville Fashion Week 2017 Kickoff Party at The Hermitage Hotel Ballroom last night. The event sold out quickly, but don’t worry if you missed it, here’s all of the inside scoop.

SIXTH ANNUAL NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND RECIPIENT NAMED BY THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Fashion photographer Brett Warren has been named the sixth annual Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT). A committee of the Board of CFMT selected Warren amongst a group of experienced fashion industry applicants with ties to Middle Tennessee. Warren is the first photographer to be selected as a recipient of the fund. 

Brett Warren lives in a world where anything is possible. While studying design and photography at MTSU, Brett became passionately inspired to present the world as it could be through images that would appeal to the mind and imagination. What started with a dream and a Nikon Cool Pix has turned into a means to convey emotion, and to share untold stories and convictions. Along the way he found encouragement through a personal encounter with Wayne White, a more-than-serendipitous internship with Annie Leibovitz, and invitations to shoot at New York Fashion Week.

Since 2011 he has produced multiple events, spoken at Universities, worked behind the scenes on sets for Vogue, art directed major label music videos, and had his work featured in local and national publications. In addition, Brett has been highly active in the local community by serving on the Nashville Fashion Week Advisory Council, and is an avid supporter of the Nashville fashion community. He has been recognized among his peers, for his “Point of View,” and built long-lasting relationships with those in and out of the fashion world.

While he has worked with easily recognized brands such as, Billy Reid, Surface Magazine, and GQ, he is just as passionate about working with some that may not be as familiar…yet.

Established in 2011, the objective of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is to provide an award that recognizes the individual achievements of a fashion industry professional. The financial resources that accompany the award are intended to provide an experiential professional development opportunity for the recipient to further advance their career in the fashion industry. 

2017 DESIGNERS ANNOUNCED

Nashville Fashion Week 2017 will include three nights of runway shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday nights. For the first time, NFW will offer a Runway Pass that includes entry to all three events plus the option to upgrade to guaranteed seating.

We're excited to announce sixteen designers that will be featured at unique runway locations throughout the city during year seven of the five-day event. 

NFW will open with the Nashville Designer Showcase on Tuesday April 4. NFW alumni Amanda Valentine, Any Old Iron, Ona Rex and Truly Alvarenga will join Cavanagh Baker and Minxx on the runway.

Andrew Gallivan, Lily Guilder, Madness Is, Nasheli Juliana and Splashed by DKG were selected from hundreds of designer applications to show collections on Wednesday night at the Emerging Designer Runway Show.

Fauxgerty, Lagi Nadeau, Michael Drummond, Patrick Assaraf and Shea Steele will present their collections at the 2017 Ready-to-Wear Runway Show on Friday night. 

Bios and photos of all designers are available at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

SANDRA LIPMAN TO RECEIVE THE 2017 STYLE ICON AWARD AT THE NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD GALA

Nashville Fashion Week 2017 will close with the fourth annual Nashville Fashion Forward Gala. Last year’s Gala Co-Chair Gen Sohr, co-founder of Paper and Pencil, is back this year and will be joined by Emerson Grace boutique owner, Kimberly Lewis to chair this year's celebratory event featuring the Nashville Fashion Forward Awards presentation. The 2017 Style Icon Award will be presented to Nashville philanthropist and fashion maven Sandra Lipman. The Fashion Forward, Legacy, Face of Fashion, Rising Star and Point of View Awards will be announced at the Gala.

Nashville Fashion Week will also host a Photography + Fashion event on Thursday. City-wide shopping events and educational experiences will fill the official schedule. More specific event details will be announced in the next few weeks.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Nashville Fashion Week 2017 will be held April 4-8. All Access Passes, Runway Passes and tickets for all events are on sale now at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

All NFW ticket holders get FREE admission to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts from April 3-16 featuring the exhibit of iconic fashion photographer Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty with proof of purchase. 

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.  

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 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 NashvilleFashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Nashville Fashion Week and AMAX Talent Announce Model Search 2017

Nashville Fashion Week and AMAX Talent Announce Model Search 2017

AMAX Talent is searching for aspiring models to debut at Nashville Fashion Week 2017. Eligible male and female applicants ages 13-30 have the opportunity to meet with AMAX Talent scouts on April 1 from 1 - 3 p.m. at Macy’s 2nd Level at The Mall at Green Hills. 

The 2017 winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 5 during a Nashville Fashion Week event. The winner will receive a prize package that includes:

  • $1,000 modeling contract with AMAX Talent
  • The opportunity to meet one-on-one with top national modeling agents including IMG, Next, Elite and Ford
  • A professional photo shoot with photographer Mark DeLong

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

    The AMAX + NFW Model Search has been a launchpad for many successful modeling careers since 2012. Only two weeks after being named the 2016 Model Search winner, Molly Rothe was selected to walk for Carolina Herrera. She has since received multiple contract offers from top agencies around the world. 2015 Model Search winner, Briggs Rudder, is currently in development and has been photographed by several notable photographers. 2014 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. Lydia Touchton has walked the runway in every Nashville Fashion Week since she was a finalist in 2012 as well as for Monique Lhuillier, Christian Siriano and Marchesa.


    ABOUT THE NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND
    The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that receives proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week each year. The establishment of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund was inspired by the professional development provided by the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) through programs such as the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund ensures that Nashville Fashion Week is not just a signature high-profile event to celebrate creativity, but also an ongoing, sustainable focus for philanthropic support.

    ABOUT AMAX TALENT
    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.

    Nashville Fashion Week 2017 Kickoff Party

    NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2017 KICKOFF PARTY

    Join us for the Nashville Fashion Week 2017 Kickoff Party on Monday, February 20 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at The Hermitage Hotel Ballroom. Guests will enjoy wine provided by Mouton Noir and light bites.

    The 2016 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient, 2017 emerging and Nashville designers, fourth annual Nashville Fashion Forward Gala chairs and Style Icon Award winner and other exciting details about NFW 2017 will be  announced. All proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

    The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing a financial award and resources for experiential professional development opportunities to assist in career advancement within the fashion industry. Past recipients include Eric Bornhop, Ceri Hoover, Elise Joseph, Lauren Leonard and Julianna Bass.

    Tickets to the Nashville Fashion Week Kickoff Party are $20. A limited number of tickets are on sale now

    PURCHASE TICKETS

    ABOUT THE NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND
    The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that receives proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week each year. The establishment of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund was inspired by the professional development provided by the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) through programs such as the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund ensures that Nashville Fashion Week is not just a signature high-profile event to celebrate creativity, but also an ongoing, sustainable focus for philanthropic support.

    NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK SEEKS APPLICATIONS FOR THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE'S 2016 NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND AWARD AND EMERGING DESIGNERS FOR 2017

    Nashville Fashion Week Seeks Applications for The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee 2016's Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Award and Emerging Designers for 2017

    Dates for the seventh annual Nashville Fashion Week were announced last night at Nashville Fashion Week's 2017 Launch Party at Virago. The city-wide celebration of Nashville's creative fashion and retail community will take place April 4 - 8, 2017 ending with the fourth annual Nashville Fashion Forward Gala on Saturday night. Applications for both The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s 2016 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Award and Nashville Fashion Week’s 2017 Emerging Designer Showcase are now being accepted through November 21, 2016.

    Nominations will also be accepted for both the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund and Emerging Designer applicants for the first time this year at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. Explain in 100 words or less why the nominee should be considered and an invitation to apply will be sent to those that qualify. 

    "The aspirational mantra ‘Nashville Fashion is more than a week’ was just that when planning for the inaugural 2011 Nashville Fashion Week began. Six years later, the attention centered on the fashion community and the connections developed as a result of this week have supported Nashville’s fashion industry in so many ways," said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation. "The entrepreneurial spirit that is found in other industries throughout this community is front and center in the fashion industry. And, Nashville Fashion Week was there first to celebrate and acknowledge its potential." 

    APPLY FOR THE NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND

    The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is now seeking applicants for the 2016 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Award. Professionals working in all aspects of the fashion industry from designers and photographers to stylists, models, hair and makeup artists, boutique owners and bloggers are encouraged to apply. Detailed instructions for submission are found at CFMT.org.

    Originally established in 2011, this endowed fund supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee and provides financial awards and resources for experiential professional development opportunities. Past winners include clothing designers Eric Bornhop, Julianna Bass and Lauren Leonard, accessory designer Ceri Hoover, and creative brand consultant, art director and founder of Pennyweight and ShopGoodwin.com, Elise Joseph. 

    Applications must arrive at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s office at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue by 4 p.m. CST on November 21, 2016. The award recipient is selected by a committee of the Board of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and will be notified in January of 2017.

    EMERGING DESIGNER APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

    Nashville Fashion Week seeks emerging designers to spotlight during the 2017 event. Applicants must demonstrate creativity, quality and a broad appeal to a wide range of consumers. If chosen, the emerging designer will have the opportunity to showcase their collection during Nashville Fashion Week 2017. All emerging designers interested in showing their collections are encouraged to submit their application for review.

    The deadline to submit emerging designer applications is 11:59 p.m. CST on November 21, 2016. Emerging Designers will be notified by the end of the year and announced to the public in February at an official Nashville Fashion Week event. You can apply online at NashvilleFashionWeek.com

    Emerging Designer Criteria:

    • All emerging designers are encouraged to apply, but preference will be given to those that live in or have connections to Nashville and/or Middle Tennessee
    • Each collection must be original designs, debuting at Nashville Fashion Week
    • Must be available to show between April 4 - 8, 2017.

    PLEASE NOTE: Nashville Fashion Week does not charge a submission fee to apply or participate. Designers selected are responsible for their own travel and related expenses, and for transporting their collection to Nashville — as well as all costs associated with designing/creating their looks, including shoes, accessories and music for their runway show. No age restrictions or specific experience is required. However, those under 18 will need parent/guardian permission to apply. 


    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 through 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 volunteer 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 NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND
    The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that receives proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week each year. The establishment of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund was inspired by the professional development provided by the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) through programs such as the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund ensures that Nashville Fashion Week is not just a signature high-profile event to celebrate creativity, but also an ongoing, sustainable focus for philanthropic support.

    The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 1,000 charitable funds, providing customized philanthropic solutions with flexibility for donors, nonprofit organizations and the community. In the past 25 years, The Community Foundation has distributed more than $725 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.

    NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2017 LAUNCH PARTY

    NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2017 LAUNCH PARTY

    Join us for the Nashville Fashion Week 2017 Launch Party on Tuesday, October 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Virago. Guests will enjoy two signature cocktails provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and delicious small bites from Virago.

    Dates for the 2017 event will be announced with details on the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund and Emerging Designer application process. All proceeds benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

    The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing a financial award and resources for experiential professional development opportunities to assist in career advancement within the fashion industry from proceeds of Nashville Fashion Week each year. Past recipients include Eric Bornhop, Ceri Hoover, Elise Joseph, Lauren Leonard and Julianna Bass.

    Tickets to the Nashville Fashion Week Launch Party are $20. A limited number of tickets are on sale now at NowPlayingNashville.com. All proceeds benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

    PURCHASE TICKETS

    ABOUT THE NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND
    The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that receives proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week each year. The establishment of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund was inspired by the professional development provided by the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) through programs such as the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund ensures that Nashville Fashion Week is not just a signature high-profile event to celebrate creativity, but also an ongoing, sustainable focus for philanthropic support.