NFW to Present 15 Middle Tennessee Designers Through New CFDA Connects Program

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2021 TO PRESENT FIFTEEN MIDDLE TENNESSEE DESIGNERS THROUGH NEW CFDA CONNECTS PROGRAM

Over the last eighteen months, we've been reminded about what truly matters and have been heartened by moments in everyday acts of humanity and resilience. Unfortunately, COVID-19 still has ongoing effects in our community and beyond, so we have yet again reimagined how to best serve our fashion community during these challenging times.

NOW IS THE TIME TO IMAGINE. WILL YOU JOIN US?

Since our inception in 2011, Nashville Fashion Week has been hosted in the spring, but this fall an updated version will take place October 12 -16. Our fall lineup is designed to safely explore, test and shape the future of Nashville fashion in a meaningful way through strategic partnerships and collaborations with both local and global industry leaders. We look forward to connecting with our community again for a diverse schedule of digital and live programming that is designed to showcase and inspire our fashion community. 

Nashville Fashion Week is thrilled to share more details about our new membership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Nashville Fashion Week was selected as one of twelve regional organizations nationwide that were invited to join and benefit from the new CFDA Connects initiative. CFDA Connects is a programming network in support of regional fashion weeks and organizations through promotion, business support, resources and member privileges. The CFDA infrastructure centers around programming, education and webinars and will work closely with NFW to help develop and provide opportunities to designers from Middle Tennessee.The Connects membership access exists to influentially amplify our NFW mission, expand our reach, increase awareness, and strengthen our city's connection to the pulse of business, commerce, media and trade in the American fashion industry and globally.

"CFDA Connects was created to skill share and connect domestic markets and global fashion industries through CFDA resources including professional and business development and education, trade events, supply chain and local manufacturing, social impact and sustainability" said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “ As a part of CFDA Connects, Nashville Fashion Week designers will tap into the worldwide reach of RUNWAY360 to connect directly with tens of thousands of journalists, retailers, influencers and consumers through this game changing platform."

Designers who previously applied and were selected to present their collections at NFW 2020 were invited to participate in NFW 2021. Fifteen Middle Tennessee designers now have the opportunity to participate in an innovative way as they present their collections and brands to a global audience.

Each designer will present their brands and looks on the CFDA’s Runway360 digital programming platform. This access will include streaming their runway presentations, lookbook and e-commerce capabilities. The runway presentations will be professionally filmed in advance at OZ Arts Nashville by Middle Tennessee State University’s Marketing and Communications team with production design by Bright Events Productions. Nashville Fashion Week would not be able to produce these events and activate programming without these vital partners.

The following designers are participating in NFW 2021. Designer bios can be previewed HERE. 

• Amanda Valentine

• Any Old Iron

• Article X

• Black by Maria Silver

• Eileen Kelly

• Emily Phillips

• Erica Knicely

• H. Lane Design

• Ken Drama

• Laura Citron

• Lily Guilder Design

• Ola Mai

• Rank & Sugar

• The Morgan Factory

• Truly Alvarenga

The full schedule of fall events and detailed ticketing information will be announced over the next few weeks. A limited number of VIP Passes will go on sale next week. All proceeds benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Applications for volunteers, photographers and Shop Nashville vendors are now being accepted under the APPLICATION link at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. 

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. The last day to receive the second shot of Moderna or Pfizer or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson prior to our October events is September 27th. For anyone that is not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours of attending any event. NFW requires that anyone unvaccinated must wear a mask 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 12+ 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 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 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. For detailed information, please visit NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

Thank You!

We did it! Everything about Nashville Fashion Week 2020 was different, but despite a tornado, a global pandemic, ongoing social injustices and many other obstacles, we were able to offer Fashion Talks, three Learning Labs, showcase and support nineteen local designers and feature Shop Nashville events and promotions over five days through digital programming and social media and you showed up. Over 724 people registered for our virtual Zoom events and we had 6,874 unique Instagram viewers with 132,160 impressions last week. We were also able to donate over 1,000 masks to Masks Now Tennessee and they will be distributed where they are needed the most in our community. Thank you for your support and continuing to grow with us. As fun as it all looked, it was a lot of work to pivot, but we will continue to shift with the times. We hope to see you back on the runway next year. There's nothing like celebrating together in person.

Special thanks to the Middle Tennessee State University Academic Marketing and Communications team for producing all four of our Zoom Learning Lab programs. Click HERE to view them all. Everyone that signed-in to these events were eligible to win All Access Passes to Nashville Fashion Week 2021 valued at $800. Congratulations to our lucky winner Zuwhan Gaston!

We encourage you to continue to shop our designers and support our Shop Nashville partners and sponsors. They need us now more than ever. Also, please consider making a donation to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Every dollar will make a difference in our fashion community for years to come. This is #whynfw!

---

NFW Sustainable Summit at oneC1TY on April 1

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK PRESENTS FREE SUSTAINABLE SUMMIT ON APRIL 1

Moderated by Special Guest Fern Mallis

The fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, just after the oil industry with the environmental damage increasing as the industry continues to expand. Did you also know that the fashion industry has a broken labor system in place within our fashion supply chain? The good news is that there are solutions to mitigate these problems. Nashville Fashion Week will launch our Learning Lab Series with a Sustainable Summit moderated by Fern Mallis on Monday, April 1 at oneC1TY. This FREE event is the first of five NFW Learning Labs throughout the week. These educational opportunities provide a platform to engage, learn and connect experientially within the community. Please make plans early to attend at least one of these special events.

Join us on Monday, April 1 at oneC1TY for an interactive event that will include Nashville's first fashion-focused discussion on sustainability. Our panel of industry leaders - Chrissy Fogerty, Fauxgerty; Barrett Ward, ABLE; David Prentice, OnPoint Manufacturing and fashion designer Van Hoang, our 2018 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient - will share their insights on how to turn ideas into action and experiences with sustainability. Transparency, business ethics and brand missions impact both people and the planet. Sustainable initiatives are top of mind for today's consumer and the fashion industry, but many of us don't understand what we can do to contribute to the ecosystem. From labor rights, human rights or the environment, we are each a key variable to help correct the problems that currently exist. Organizations like Fashion Revolution and this event will share how we can change the model, material and mindset.

There are a limited number of tickets available to attend the Sustainable Summit which will include include interactive pop-up experiences by the panelists and Fashion Revolution, who spearheads the global movement Fashion Revolution Week (April 22 - 28), refreshments and bites from Pastaria and the live-stream panel conversation. Educational sponsor, Middle Tennessee State University, will facilitate and produce the live-stream which will be aired on Nashville Fashion Week's Facebook and InstaStories at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the event.

Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week, will moderate the conversation to discuss tangible ways that these businesses are addressing sustainabiity and how we can assist in making a difference in our world. Nashville businesses are leading the way with sustainable solutions. It's time for the rest of us to join in.

“I applaud NFW for taking on the issue of sustainability…which is top of the minds for everyone in the fashion industry now….and if it’s not it SHOULD BE. I’m looking forward to participating in their Sustainable Summit, as we all have so much to learn to figure out how we can save our planet and ‘do the right thing’ before it’s too late. Sustainable conferences are the new black!” - Fern Mallis

This community-wide event will include Pop-Up Shops and educational material from Fauxgerty, ABLE, OnPoint Manufacturing and Fashion Revolution prior to the panel discussion and a photo booth from Hi-Fi Media to commemorate the event. 

“As a LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) project with an emphasis on open space for pedestrians, nature, and healthy buildings; it was only natural for us to be the host for the first fashion-focused sustainability summit in Nashville. We at oneC1TY are long-standing supporters of the work that Nashville Fashion Week has contributed to our community and wanted to continue contributing in a meaningful way since we believe that Nashville is home to progressive thinkers, the most innovative minds in technology, and a community hungry to obtain a sustainable lifestyle." - Ryan Doyle, OneC1TY

SUSTAINABLE SUMMIT: Nashville Turns Ideas Into Action 

Monday, April 1 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

An Interactive Event and Panel Discussion with Fauxgerty, ABLE, OnPoint Manufacturing and Van Hoang | Moderated by Fern Mallis

Location: ONEC1TY | 8 City Boulevard, Suite 402, 37203

Admission: FREE, Individual ticket, light bites and refreshments from Pastaria that includes Crispy Risotto Balls with pomodoro sauce & herb aioli, Caponata Bruschetta with lemon ricotta & mustard greens and Burrata Toast with chilies and basil.

FAUXGERTY

Fauxgerty is committed to people and the planet. That means sustainable fabrics, ethical factories, and a team that feels like family. Their goal is to empower women to shop consciously and consider the impact of every purchase. With that in mind, Fauxgerty creates long-lasting pieces that can be worn with the closet you've already built. Their design team makes easy-to-wear, stand-out silhouettes and we sample each piece in multiple sizes to ensure the fit translates from sizes 00-24 seamlessly. From repurposed materials to cruelty-free leathers and suedes, their sustainable materials are a big part of who they are. Most of their vintage fabrics cannot be replaced. So, while their silhouettes restock, most colors and prints are exclusive. Their design team makes easy-to-wear, stand-out silhouettes. On average, it takes two hours to sew a Fauxgerty garment. They count on skilled seamstresses to transform their fabrics into the highest quality pieces. Their sewers in Alabama are paid 71% over minimum wage,are offered paid time off, health insurance and work in a temperature controlled facility. Fauxgerty's goal is to design garments that adapt to lifestyle, body type and personal style seamlessly. 

"Nashville is a place where Fauxgerty hangs our hat often as we launch new collections, events and support the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund so it when this opportunity arose to be a part of leading the way with sustainable options for consumers, we wanted to be a part of the conversation with other like-minded brands and individuals." - Chrissy Fogerty, Founder & Designer

Chrissy Fogerty set out to create environmentally sustainable garments that adapt with any woman's lifestyle. It all started with a collection of faux leather motorcycle jackets that felt and lasted just like real leather. That line inspired the Fauxgerty name and paved the way for a full collection of ethical pieces.

ABLE

ABLE is a rapidly growing ethical lifestyle brand challenging the culture of the fashion industry by creating transformative opportunities for women. Their handmade jewelry, leather bags, clothes, and shoes are made both locally in Nashville, and globally in Ethiopia, Peru, Mexico, and Brazil. In 2018, ABLE became the first fashion brand to publish it’s lowest wages because the company believes complete transparency is the only way to protect and empower the industry’s vulnerable workers – most of whom are women. 

“ABLE is extremely proud to partner on the first ever Nashville Fashion Week Sustainable Summit because it represents our city’s fashion community and leadership in protecting people and the planet. While the topic of sustainable fashion is trending, we believe it’s not a passing trend. ABLE is committed to challenging the culture of the fashion industry by equipping consumers with education and creating solutions that can transform the industry and the lives of its workers. We hope our #PublishYourWages movement will inspire consumers to demand living wages for all of fashion’s vulnerable workers, most of whom are women.” - Barrett Ward, CEO & Founder of ABLE

Barrett Ward, the CEO & Founder, is leading his team to challenge the culture of the fashion industry by creating transformative opportunities for women. What began as a literal thread of an idea to sell handwoven scarves made by women overcoming hardships in Ethiopia has grown into a lifestyle brand with beautiful leather bags, jewelry, clothes, and shoes. Barrett’s ever growing ambition and heart for social justice has resulted in recognition from prestigious organizations, including the GQ Leader of the Year Award in 2014.

ONPOINT MANUFACTURING

OnPoint Manufacturing specializes in purchase activated on-demand mass customization of apparel. OnPoint has developed technically advanced manufacturing and distribution solutions for the apparel industry. Our factory model automates and integrates almost every aspect of the manufacturing process from order entry to delivery. The integrated components that are driven by compex software allow OnPoint to manufacture millions of unique SKU's on-demand reducing inventory costs and streamlining the whole supply chain. OnPoint maintains a manufacturing facility in Florence, Alabama, with headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee.

“It is an honor to partner with and sponsor the 2019 Nashville Fashion Week. It goes without saying, Nashville is quickly becoming a hub for the fashion and apparel industry, and with new designers and brands being introduced every year in this area, we believe the Nashville Fashion Week is a must have event in this key market. We are proud to be welcomed into the Nashville Fashion Week family.” - David M. Prentice, Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing, OnPoint Manufacturing.

VAN HOANG

Van Hoang is a sustainable womenswear designer based in Nashville, TN. Her clothing is modern yet timeless as well as versatile and functional. She strives to create pieces that can easily be incorporated into an existing wardrobe yet still maintain their unique characteristics. They range from one-of-a-kind to ready-to-wear and everything is handmade in her studio. Her collection for Nashville Fashion Week will primarily be made from deadstock and remnant materials to reduce unnecessary waste and promote awareness on this issue.

“I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of this years Nashville Fashion Forward Fund. This award will enable me to attend the Copenhagen Fashion Summit which is a global conference about sustainability in fashion and this opportunity will allow me to learn from top leaders in the field. I hope to bring this knowledge back to Nashville and turn ideas into action.” - Van Hoang

FASHION REVOLUTION USA

Fashion Revolution USA is proud to be a part of the international mission of Fashion Revolution focused on programming, events, and educational resources. Their mission is to educate and engage people in the US about the social and environmental impact of their clothing purchases, so that they demand a more sustainable fashion industry and circular economy for all. Fashion Revolution Week is April 18-22, 2019. 

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Middle Tennessee State University is a destination of choice for students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of signature programs with national and international acclaim. MTSU’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences offers degree programs in both Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising. Students who have a passion for design and fashion can apply their creativity in classes which expand their knowledge of all aspects of the business. Learn more about MTSU’s Textiles, Merchandising, and Design major at MTSU.edu/HumanSciences.

"Middle Tennessee State University is excited to be the exclusive university partner for Nashville Fashion Week. While MTSU’s live broadcast of the Sustainable Summit benefits the fashion community, MTSU’s Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising majors also gain invaluable industry experience." - Dr. Rick Cottle, Assoicate Professor, Middle Tennessee State University Textiles, Merchandising & Design

ONEC1TY

oneC1TY is a vibrant, walkable LEED for Neighborhood development (LEED ND) project featuring abundant green space and public gathering places positioned at Charlotte Avenue and the 28th/31st Street Connector in West Nashville. oneC1TY has transformed a site of underutilized warehouses into a sustainable and interactive community featuring office, residential, hospitality and retail uses as well as a community lawn that encourages enjoyment of the outdoors, music and art. oneC1TY is widely recognized for its approach to healthy real estate and is a recipient of the Urban Land Institute Excellence in Development Building Healthy Places Award.

Tickets for the Sustainable Summit can be secured at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. The event is FREE, but a ticket is required. 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. 

Nashville Fashion Week will be held April 2-6 in partnership with OZ Arts Nashville. Tickets to all events are available in a wide range of prices at NashvilleFashionWeek.com. 

Anna Sui & Fern Mallis to be Featured Guests at NFW 2018

ANNA SUI AND FERN MALLIS TO BE FEATURED GUESTS AT NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2018

From the runways of New York to the backdrop of OZ Arts Nashville, fashion icons Anna Sui and Fern Mallis will share their creative insights and work with Nashville's fashion community and entrepreneurs. Designer, Anna Sui and legendary New York Fashion Week Founder, Fern Mallis, will be our featured guests on Friday, April 6 at Union Station Hotel and on Saturday, April 7 at OZ Arts Nashville.

“We are incredibly honored to be hosting both Fern Mallis and Anna Sui as part of our 2018 program,” said Nashville Fashion Week managing directors and co-founders Marcia Masulla and Connie Cathcart-Richardson. “To have Anna Sui participate in such a meaningful way is tremendous gift to our community especially with her thoughtful ties to both Third Man Records where she designed the uniforms, shares Detroit roots with Jack White and has worked with Nashville’s very own supermodel, Karen Elson, who has been a staple on Sui’s NYFW runways and the muse for her recent collaboration with Macy’s I.N.C. collection. We are also thrilled to reunite and host Fern for her third Nashville Fashion Week. She has been an unwavering mentor of our mission, the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund and has also led the charge to bring Sui to our city.”

Kicking off the weekend will be NFW Fashion Talks with Fern Mallis and Anna Sui taking place at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6 at Union Station Hotel. Sponsored by Union Station Hotel and UAL, the event will include a VIP reception where patrons will have the opportunity to meet and receive a signed copy of Mallis’ book Fashion Lives: Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis. Following the reception, Sui and Mallis will take the stage at 4 p.m. to share insights and personal stories of their expansive experiences in the fashion industry for the main program. Middle Tennessee State University’s School of Textiles, Merchandising and Design will live-stream the conversation during the event and individual copies of Mallis' book will also be available for sale. 

“I’m thrilled to be back at Nashville Fashion Week to see the talented designers along with our special guest, designer Anna Sui, from New York,” said Mallis. “Nashville continues to be one of the coolest cities in the country, inspiring us all with music, food, and style." 

Hailed as the award-winning creator of New York Fashion Week, Mallis has been called an industry titan, doyenne, and The Godmother of Fashion. As the creator and host of premiere conversation series Fashion Icons w/Fern Mallis at New York’s prestigious 92nd Street Y, Mallis assembled an incredible roster of guests for her now signature in-depth interviews, including Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Diane von Fürstenberg, Polly Mellen, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, André Leon Talley, Bruce Weber, Bill Cunningham, Valentino, Leonard A. Lauder, Tim Gunn, Victoria Beckham, Rosita and Angela Missoni, Alexander Wang, and Christian Louboutin.

SATURDAY FINALE RUNWAY SHOW

The Nashville Fashion Week Finale Runway Show will showcase Anna Sui’s 2018 spring collection on Saturday, April 7 at OZ Arts Nashville. Internationally recognized and beloved by the world’s most influential people, the career of Sui is a classic American success story. With over 50 boutiques in eight countries and her collection is sold in 300 stores in over 30 countries, Sui opened her first flagship store on Greene Street in Soho in 1992. The boutique’s vibrant mix of black Victorian furniture, purple walls, papier-mache doll heads and rock n’ roll posters closely reflects Anna Sui’s decorating style and has been the model for all of her shops. The late 1990s was a time of significant growth for Sui; she embarked upon a hugely successful expansion in the Far East, where she quickly established a huge cult following. She also launched cosmetics, fragrance, shoe and accessory licenses. Her devotion to detail is apparent in every one of her products, which are all intimately connected to her world. Her iconic make-up packaging and fragrance bottle design have even become collectors’ items. This special opportunity is sponsored by the Westin Nashville.

“I’ve been wanting to visit Nashville for a quite some time…legendary home of Country Western Music, the Grand Ole Opry, Hot Chicken, and Manuel: Tailor to the Stars!," said Sui. "In recent years, I’ve been hearing so much about exciting things happening in Nashville.  Many people I know have moved there to take part in the evolving super cool Music Scene.  I’m totally excited to discover it all for myself first-hand…and to present my Spring 2018 runway collection!”

American menswear brands Hickey Freeman Tailors Gold and h American Tailor, both presented by Levy's, will open the Saturday night runway show. 

“As a supporter of Nashville Fashion Week from the very beginning, Levy's is thrilled to be partnering with Hickey Freeman and h for the final evening of runway shows during Nashville Fashion Week 2018,” said Levy’s owners David and Ellen Levy. “Featuring the iconic brand, Hickey Freeman, and the company's rising star of fashion, h American Tailor, it gives us great pleasure to present these two collections made in the USA. Timeless and fashion-forward, just like this great city of Nashville, these collections are a perfect representation of Levy's.” 

Nashville Fashion Week will be held April 3-7 in partnership with OZ Arts Nashville with all proceeds benefiting the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Tickets to these two experiences and other individual events are available at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.