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.

Your Guide to NFW 2021

YOUR GUIDE TO NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2021

Nashville Fashion Week officially kicks off on Monday. Will you join us?

The entirely re-imagined schedule is HERE for you to conveniently access.

Don't have a VIP Pass yet? It's not too late to get in on all of these events and experiences. Purchase your VIP Pass NOW before we sell out. You may also reserve and purchase individual tickets to events at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. Make plans now to support and experience Nashville's fashion community.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 11

VIP | HOW FASHION IS MADE TOUR + MIXER 
Presented by Prange Apparel
4 - 6 PM

VIP Pass holders will enjoy an interactive open house and private tour to Prange Apparel to gain insight into the process and innovation of how fashion is made right here in Nashville. This is a private event for NFW VIP Pass holders ONLY.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12

VIP | NFW VIP MIXER 
Presented by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce at The Westin Nashville
5 - 7 PM 

This is a private event for NFW VIP Pass holders ONLY. Enjoy the tunes of DJ Maggie Wells while enjoying light bites from The Westin and cocktails provided by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Blade and Bow. This is a private event for NFW VIP Pass holders ONLY.

VIP | COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM "SUITING THE SOUND: THE RODEO TAILORS WHO MADE COUNTRY STARS SHINE BRIGHTER" PANEL DISCUSSION 
Presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
7 - 9 PM (Doors Open at 6 PM)

In partnership with Nashville Fashion Week, the museum will host a program examining the emergence of this unique “rhinestone cowboy” look in the 1940s and 1950s, largely from the tailor shops of Eastern European Jewish immigrants, and how the style has inspired fashion far beyond the stages of barn dances and honky-tonks. Limited program tickets are available with museum admission HERE and are also included in the NFW VIP Pass.

Our 2021 designer runway collections will launch digitally on Tuesday for VIP Pass holders and on Wednesday for the public. Stay tuned for more information on how to support and view.

All three of the NFW Learning Labs are designed to support and showcase the local fashion community by providing a platform to engage, learn and connect. Each of the immersive educational sessions offer a FREE opportunity to grow and imagine.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13

LOW TICKET ALERT: ONLY 5 TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE

Our Learning Lab series begins on Wednesday, October 13 with "Make + Innovate: A Fashion Manufacturing Open House and Tour" at Prange Apparel. From designers and students to curious fashion lovers, we invite anyone and everyone who are interested to attend this interactive open house and tour to gain insight into the process and innovation of how fashion is made. The 2019 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient, Megan Prange of Prange Apparel will share the step-by-step process of how garments are manufactured right here in Nashville, Tennessee. From the initial consultation to development of tech packs and the creation of muslin samples to shipping the final product, this event will give a guided tour of the business of fashion while also offering an opportunity to have your questions answered while enjoying a tour of a facility where fashion is at work!

Two timed sessions are available to choose from beginning at 4 and again at 5 p.m. Registration is FREE and includes a NFW x Prange Apparel goody bag. Refreshments will be served featuring Tito's Handmade Vodka and Blade & Bow Bourbon.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14

ONLY 30 TICKETS ARE LEFT!

TikTok, Tech & Trends: The Evolving Business of Fashion will be presented in partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the WB Collective Powered By WBEC South on Thursday, October 14 at the WB Collective Nashville. 

This interactive panel discussion 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.

Pop-up vendors will include Music City Creative, LA Green, Neta's Natural, Kandles by Kierra along with Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipients Prange Apparel + Innovate by Prange Apparel, Black by Maria Silver, Eric Adler Clothing, Van Hoang and others.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15

ONLY 20 TICKETS ARE LEFT! 

The Fashion x Design Innovation Learning Lab will be presented by the Wond'ry, Vanderbilt's Innovation Center on Friday, October 15 at noon.

Nashville Fashion Week is partnering with the Wond’ry to explore the latest innovations in design, technology, and adaptive fashion. Hear thought leaders speak to the emerging trends in the industry. This two-hour session features three industry spotlights, Q&A with esteemed presenters, interactive innovation booths, and networking opportunities. Join Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center for a fashion-forward line up of presenters.

Fashion x Design Innovation Learning Lab panelists include Deanna Meador, CEO of Couture Technologies; Shannon North, Director of Design Technology at Workwear Outfitters; Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, Founder of Interwoven; and Stephanie Brakefield and Mary Cayten Brakefield, Co-founders of Brakefields. 

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTS

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATIONS | 12 - 12:20 PM
Deanna Meador, CEO of Couture Technologies and Shannon North, Director of Design Technology at Workwear Outfitters
Q & A | 12:20 - 12:30 PM   

DESIGNING FOR IMPACT | 12:30 - 12:50 PM 
Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, Founder of Interwoven 
Q & A | 12:50 - 1:00 PM 

ADAPTIVE FASHION | 1 - 1:20 PM
Stephanie Brakefield and Mary Cayten Brakefield, Co-founders of Brakefields
Q & A | 1:20 - 1:30 PM 

INNOVATION SHOWCASES & NETWORKING | 1:30 - 2:00 PM

Join us on October 15 for The Intersection of Sound + Style: A Conversation + Museum Tour presented by the National Museum of African American Music. NMAAM's mission is to educate the world, preserve the legacy, and celebrate the central role African Americans play in creating the American soundtrack. This special engagement with Nashville Fashion Week will also highlight the central role of how these artists and musicians have and will continue to lead the way with their impact on style and fashion trends. Nashville Fashion Week has enlisted Charles Brown and Bentley Caldwell as style ambassadors for the event. Enjoy a cocktail reception feauturing Tito's Handmade Vodka and Blade and Bow, an interactive tour of the museum and engaging coversation about the prominent influence of black culture and music on the fashion industry with the NMAAM’s curator Dr. Steven Lewis and these two stylish Nashville men, moderated by the NMAAM's Senior Director of Education and Exhibition, Tamar Smithers.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

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.

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. This is #WHYNFW!

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While we are excited to gather both digitally and in person for NFW 2021, the health and safety of our guests, participants and team remains our top priority. A full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test will be required to attend or participate in any Nashville Fashion Week 2021 event.

NFW strongly encourages vaccination. For anyone who is not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 48 hours of attending any event. NFW now requires that everyone must wear a mask indoors at all times. This protocol is based on current CDC standards. Any changes to these procedures will be communicated prior to each event.

COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available to all Tennesseans ages 12 and up in all 95 counties across our state. Find a location close to you at VaccineFinder.org to insure that you’ve done your part to keep NFW 2021 and our community safe for everyone. 

NFW Learning Lab Presented by The Wond'ry, Vanderbilt's Innovation Center

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK ANNOUNCES
FASHION X DESIGN INNOVATION LEARNING LAB FOR 2021

PRESENTED BY THE WOND'RY, VANDERBILT’S INNOVATION CENTER

Nashville Fashion Week is excited to announce our third FREE Learning Lab for 2021. NFW is designed to showcase and support the local fashion community by providing educational opportunities to engage, learn and connect experientially within the Nashville community. The Fashion x Design Innovation Learning Lab will be presented by the Wond'ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center on Friday, October 15 at noon.

Nashville Fashion Week is partnering with the Wond’ry to explore the latest innovations in design, technology, and adaptive fashion. Hear thought leaders speak to the emerging trends in the industry. This two-hour session features three industry spotlights, Q&A with esteemed presenters, interactive innovation booths, and networking opportunities. Join Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center for a fashion-forward line up of presenters.

“We are thrilled to partner with Nashville Fashion Week in showcasing innovations and trends in technology, design, and adaptive fashion in the industry. Creativity is at the core of the vision of the Wond’ry, Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center, and it is truly a delight to collaborate with an organization promoting and capturing innovation in Nashville’s fashion community.” - Dave Owens, Evans Family Executive Director of the Wond’ry

FASHION x DESIGN INNOVATION LEARNING LAB

Presented by the Wond'ry, Vanderbilt's Innovation Center

Friday, October 15 |  12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Location: The Wond'ry
2414 Highland Avenue, Suite 102, Nashville, TN, 3721

Admission: FREE ticket with registration

Fashion x Design Innovation Learning Lab panelists include Deanna Meador, CEO of Couture Technologies; Shannon North, Director of Design Technology at Workwear Outfitters; Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, Founder of Interwoven; and Stephanie Brakefield and Mary Cayten Brakefield, Co-founders of Brakefields. 

Deanna Meador is the CEO of Couture Technologies and the Director of Entrepreneurship at the Wond'ry, Vanderbilt University’s Innovation Center. Her company Couture Technologies, was formed to empower apparel companies with cutting edge tools to enhance their customer experience, in turn reducing return rates and increasing conversions. Couture is funded by the National Science Foundation and has developed a novel virtual try on technology and automated 3D garment creation system. Deanna is a serial entrepreneur and inventor and received the Young Alumni Achievement Award from her undergraduate university for her innovations.

Shannon North currently leads 3D design, pattern making and technical design for Workwear Outfitters in Nashville, Tennessee. During her 25-year career, she has held roles in teaching, merchandising, product development, and design in couture, footwear, and workwear apparel markets. She is most passionate about bringing 3D design capabilities and solutions to the apparel industry to promote sustainable practices.

Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman is the founder of Interwoven Design Group, where she combines her expertise in wearable technology and smart textiles. Some of her latest projects include "BioWear," a kinetic accessory that communicates the wearer's emotions; Remo Haptics, a wearable sports training device; and the Delta Glove by PureCarbon. She is also the author of Smart Textiles for Designers; Inventing the Future of Fabrics, and former design director at Nike, Champion and Fila. A pioneering researcher in design methodologies and smart materials, her latest work includes the Apex exosuit by HeroWear and the redesign of the Miami Dolphins Cheer Squad uniforms.

After Graduating from Vanderbilt with a Master's in Special Education, Stephanie Brakefield started her career as a teacher, transitioned to raising her four children full time, then worked with hundreds of students at her kids' schools to create programs to support all students. She now uses her background and love of design and art to create universally designed clothes for women. Her active lifestyle has shown her firsthand how important it is to have clothes that move with you, and as she ages, she has seen that at some point that everyone experiences declines in our ability levels. Stephanie's favorite part of creating this brand is getting to work with her daughter to solve problems that arise when getting dressed with a disability!

Mary Cayten Brakefield is a Nashville native and graduate of the University of Tennessee with a degree in Retail & Consumer Sciences. She was a member of the UT swim team and has brought her athletic background into creating clothes that allow for free movement throughout the day. Between getting to work with adaptive athletes in college and experiencing changes in her own ability level soon after, she became passionate about universally designed products. Growing up in a vibrant, colorful home with her fashionable mother Stephanie, Mary Cayten loved fun clothes from the start and is excited to infuse colorful fashion into functional clothing. She can't think of a better partner to work with than her mom to create fashionable, functional designs and support the rest of the adaptive industry.

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While we are excited to gather both digitally and in person for NFW 2021, the health and safety of our guests, participants and team remains our top priority. A full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test will be required to attend or participate in any Nashville Fashion Week 2021 event.

NFW strongly encourages vaccination. For anyone who is not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 48 hours of attending any event. NFW now requires that everyone must wear a mask indoors at all times. This protocol is based on current CDC standards. Any changes to these procedures will be communicated prior to each event

COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available to all Tennesseans ages 12 and up in all 95 counties across our state. Find a location close to you at VaccineFinder.org to insure that you’ve done your part to keep NFW 2021 and our community safe for everyone. 

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and The WB Collective Powered by WBEC South Present NFW Learning Lab

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK ANNOUNCES LEARNING LAB TO BE PRESENTED BY THE NASHVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE WB COLLECTIVE POWERED BY WBEC SOUTH

Nashville Fashion Week is designed to showcase and support the local fashion community by providing educational opportunities to engage, learn and connect experientially within the Nashville community. NFW is excited to announce the second of our three FREE 2021 Learning Labs to be presented in partnership with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the WB Collective Powered By WBEC South on Thursday, October 14 at the WB Collective Nashville.

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is also the presenting sponsor of the NFW VIP Mixer at The Westin Nashville on Tuesday, October 12 prior to the Suiting the Sound: The Rodeo Tailors Who Made Country Stars Shine Brighter panel discussion and Museum Tour presented by the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. This mixer is for NFW VIP Pass holders only. A limited number of passes are still available at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

“The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to partner with Nashville Fashion Week as we celebrate the fashion and retail industry’s contributions to our city and the integral role of this creative economy to our region’s economic growth. We applaud NFW for providing a platform where creators can showcase their work and aspiring entrepreneurs can connect with resources and relationships to turn creative outlets into successful businesses. - Haley Hatchell, Director of Small Business and Growth Initiatives, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce

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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

This interactive panel discussion 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.

Phala Mire, President and CEO of WBEC South, leads the southern regional partner organization (RPO) of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) providing WBE certification, development and business opportunities in Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle. Phala facilitates business growth, job creation, and access to capital for women business enterprises, while cultivating relationships and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the public and private sectors. She is also responsible for the development of relationships with key community partners and stakeholders. Phala’s most recent accomplishments include launching the Women’s Business Center South in Memphis, TN as part of the historic SBA expansion of 20 WBCs across the country, as well as the Enterprising Women of Color Program, powered by the MBDA, establishing cutting-edge training and creating opportunities for minority women-owned business enterprises.

Steven Romeo is an entrepreneur, artist, and community organizer with a Master of Public Administration. As founder and CEO of Music City Creative, Romeo brought eco-friendly custom apparel to Nashville in 2020. Their hand-screen printing shop and retail store use prosocial storytelling to advance social equity, while its sustainability focused practices push the standard for green apparel. Romeo has created multiple socially conscious brands that give back to the community through education and fundraising. A professional photographer with a passion for entrepreneurship, Romeo believes in using the art of storytelling to support marginalized communities. They are also the founder and CEO of Progressive Threads, an advocacy apparel brand. 

As Co-Founder of Where and Share Inc., Trinity Wiles identifies opportunities to improve the retail experience using technology. She leads all R&D efforts with manufacturers and her development team. She comes from a background in tech and fashion. Where and Share develops interactive mirrors for retailers to increase sales and provide a better experience for customers. Trinity and her Co-Founder discovered the fitting room is the highest sales conversion zone yet retailers have no data to capture what customers are trying on or the capabilities to market back to them based on preferences. Where and Share incorporates in-store tech, social media, and eCommerce capabilities to harmonize the in-store and online shopping experience. 

Anna Caroline Toms is the owner of L.A. Green in Nashville. The first and original L.A. Green location in Starkville, MS was a huge part of her life throughout high school and college and her favorite local boutique to fill her closet with. Upon graduating, Anna Caroline was given the opportunity to sit down and speak with the franchise owner, Lauren Ann Cooper, about potentially opening a location of her own. The dream of a Nashville store began! Nashville has always had Anna Caroline’s heart, and after lots of time and research, she landed in the Capitol View development in the North Gulch. The store opened in November of 2019.

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Pop-up vendors will include Music City Creative, LA Green, Neta's Natural, Kandles by Kierra along with Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipients Prange Apparel + Innovate by Prange Apparel, Black by Maria Silver, Eric Adler Clothing, Van Hoang and others.

“Experience industry education, diverse panel discussions, and networking opportunities during Nashville Fashion Week at the WB Collective, a professional, collaborative environment, built for women executives and CEOs to cowork and connect.” - Katherine Garcia, Director of Operations - WB Collective 

Built for women executives & CEOs to cowork and connect, The WB Collective is a collaborative work environment offering professional offices, meeting, and event space, designed to elevate female founders and entrepreneurs with access to resources, opportunities, and support while growing their business. Other benefits of membership include mailboxes and package receiving, office equipment, high-speed internet, common luxury workspaces, convenient kitchen and amenities, and 24/7 building access with secure key fob entry. Currently, the WB Collective has locations in downtown New Orleans and Nashville. The WB Collective is powered by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) South, a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the U.S.

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While we are excited to gather both digitally and in person for NFW 2021, the health and safety of our guests, participants and team remains our top priority. A full COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test will be required to attend or participate in any Nashville Fashion Week 2021 event

NFW strongly encourages vaccination. For anyone who is not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 48 hours of attending any event. NFW now requires that everyone must wear a mask indoors at all times. This protocol is based on current CDC standards. Any changes to these procedures will be communicated prior to each event

COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available to all Tennesseans ages 12 and up in all 95 counties across our state. Find a location close to you at VaccineFinder.org to insure that you’ve done your part to keep NFW 2021 and our community safe for everyone.