NFW Digital Experience Schedule

Five Days of Fashion. 
Nineteen Designers. Shop Nashville. 
Fashion Talks. Three Digital Learning Labs.

The Nashville Fashion Week Digital Experience will take place Tuesday, August 4 through Saturday, August 8 when NFW 2020 will go virtual with five days of interactive digital programming. We will present four digital adaptations of programming originally planned for April, as well as support and showcase participating designers and Shop Nashville retailers in a meaningful, impactful and memorable way. Here are the first details of our August schedule that attendees may participate in from the comfort and safety of their homes during this unprecedented time. Complimentary tickets will be available to reserve for each of the scheduled online events starting July 20 at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

Nashville Fashion Week was conceived in 2010 to foster Nashville’s heralded community spirit and concentration of creative, fashion-forward and entrepreneurial talent. Nashville Fashion Week will look different this August, but we remain more committed than ever to our community. NWF will always be first and foremost about people. Our fashion community needs connection and our support more than ever. All proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week 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. The Community Foundation selects a recipient each year from a group of talented applicants. Experienced designers as well as professionals in all aspects of the fashion industry from photographers to stylists, models, hair and makeup artists, retailers and content creators are encouraged to apply each fall for this award to further their career in the fashion industry. Due to our live events being postponed to 2021, NFW will also postpone our Nashville Fashion Forward Fund application process until next year as well. This year, NFW has granted each of our nineteen participating designers a $500 gift to help them transition during this challenging time. This is #whynfw!

Eleven of the designers selected to show their collections during NFW 2020 are NFW alumni and eight are new to the NFW family. Nashville Fashion Week offers designers an invaluable opportunity to market and present their collection at a professionally produced fashion show at no cost to them other than the cost to create their collection. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to offer them a platform to showcase their collections on the runway this year. Our digital schedule will feature each designer during scheduled slots on NFW's social media channels. This is an opportunity for them to share their vision, work and studio space with you by using their own voices. Please check out all the 2020 designer bios HERE.

The NFW Digital Experience Tickets will be FREE.
Please consider making a donation to The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund and/or purchasing a "We Are Nashville Fashion" T-shirt to support 
The Masks Now Coalition of Tennessee.

Our limited edition "We Are Nashville Fashion" t-shirts will be pre-sold starting July 20 by 85 Supply . Sale proceeds from these shirts will purchase protective masks from OnPoint Manufacturing to be distributed where they are needed most by The Masks Now Coalition of Tennessee.

Shop Nashville is a city-wide celebration we designed to encourage and support the local retail and maker community with creative and interactive ways to drive consumers to Nashville businesses. Some participating retailers will create and host their own physically distanced in-store events, while others will offer promotions or website-based events. Detailed event descriptions for each participating retailer will be announced soon. Each Shop Nashville participant has made a donation to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Please plan now to shop and support these special events August 4-8.

Nashville Fashion Week Learning Labs are educational opportunities that provide a platform to engage, learn and connect experientially within the Nashville community. We will kick off The NFW Digital Experience with Digital "Fashion Talks" moderated by Fern Mallis with Tanya Taylor, Timo Weiland, Peter Som, Kimberly Lewis and Barry Grider on Tuesday, August 4; followed by three digital Learning Labs: "In Dialogue: Suffrage, Style and Social Movements" with The Tennessee State Museum on Wednesday, August 5; OnPoint Manufacturing will present "Sustainability, Manufacturing and the Future of the Fashion Industry" with author Mary Gehlhar of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide and strategist Daniella Platt on Thursday, August 6; and Ritholz Levy Fields will present "Fashion Law For Your Fashion Business" on Friday, August 7.  Everyone that signs in to any of these digital events on Zoom will be entered into a drawing for two FREE All Access Passes to NFW 2021.

Nashville Fashion Week will also announce the winner of the AMAX + NFW Model Search 2020 on Saturday, August 8. For the first time in its nine year history, our Model Search was open to aspiring models of all ages and sizes. We look forward to seeing these new faces on the runway next year.

August 4-8 is going to be a very full week! We are forever grateful for the support and encouragement we have received throughout this year. We encourage you to continue to support the people behind the brands and businesses that have moved Nashville fashion-forward. 

We Are Nashville Fashion. We are Nashville Strong.

❤️ 
Team NFW 

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