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