Nashville Fashion Forward Fund 2025 Application

THE NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND 2025 APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN THROUGH MAY 30

ALL FASHION PROFESSIONALS WITH TIES TO MIDDLE TENNESSEE
ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THE AWARD
Designers, Photographers, Stylists, Models, Hair and Makeup Artists, 
Retailers, Content Creators and MORE! 

Nashville Fashion Week invites you to submit your application for the 2025 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund award to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee now through May 30. 

We hope you'll also join us in spreading the word to encourage the fashion talent and community to apply for this opportuity to invest in their craft and business.

Established in 2011, the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing a financial reward and resources for EXPERIENTIAL professional development opportunities each year from charitable donations and proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week. ALL fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee are encouraged to apply to be our twelfth Nashville Fashion Forward Fund award winner.

Previous recipients include our most recent award winner Rhea Daniels of Papierdoll Factory - a statement accessory brand, apparel designers Haley Maddox, Van Hoang, Maria Silver, Eric Bornhop, Lauren Leonard Phelps and Julianna Bass Brea; small batch apparel manufacturer Megan Prange; fashion photographer Brett Warren; accessory designer Ceri Hoover; and content creator Elise Joseph.

Detailed instructions for application submission can be found at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

Applications must arrive at The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee's office at 3421 Belmont Boulevard by 4:00 p.m. CST on Friday, May 30, 2025. The 2025 recipient will be announced later this year. 

Award recipients are selected by a committee of the Community Foundation board based on pre-established criteria inspired by the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund to advance the career of select local talent with demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field. 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.

Does your business, organization or philanthropic efforts align with the mission of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund? We'd love for you to consider the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund as the recipient of your next charitable event. 

Please complete the sponsorship form at NashvilleFashionWeek.com or contact Marcia Masulla to discuss potential partnership opportunities or other ways to financially support the Nashville fashion community and ecosystem through the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. We appreciate your continued support!

#whynfw

Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Recipient 2023

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK ANNOUNCES OUR ELEVENTH NASHVILLE FASHION FORWARD FUND RECIPIENT 

We are excited to announce Rhea Daniels, the founder and creative director of Papierdoll Factory, as the 2023 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient. A committee from The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee selected Rhea from a diverse group of experienced fashion industry applicants based on her impressive submission that adhered to specific criteria established by the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund co-founders in 2010. We will honor and celebrate Rhea at an upcoming Nashville Fashion Week community event.

Founded in 2018, Papierdoll Factory is dedicated to blending avant-garde resort wear with cultural consciousness. Rhea's upbringing in Clarksville, Tennessee, amidst the rich diversity of a military town, has profoundly influenced the brand’s ethos. Papierdoll Factory strives to celebrate the world's myriad cultures through high-quality, bespoke designs. 

"I am profoundly honored to be named the recipient of the 2023 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund. This grant empowers us to further our mission of style and inclusivity by focusing on professional development, securing federal contracts, and establishing international trade. We aim to expand our presence within the American Armed Forces Exchange Service, bringing our unique fashion solutions to military communities worldwide. This opportunity is not just a milestone for Papierdoll Factory but a step towards a more interconnected and stylish world." – Rhea Daniels, Founder and Creative Director of Papierdoll Factory

Receiving the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund is a milestone for the brand's journey to elevate global fashion standards. Papierdoll Factory believes in "Style Without Borders" and is passionate about creating fashion that empowers and inspires. Initiatives like Minerva's Closet—a program sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Nashville Alumnae Chapter—provide no-cost prom shopping experiences for underprivileged teens, showcasing the brand's commitment to community empowerment. Papierdoll Factory is also actively involved and dedicated to the vibrant local fashion scene in both Nashville and Atlanta.

Rhea also serves as a Presidential Donor and Executive Member of the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, actively contributing to the university's growth and success. Her leadership and vision continue to drive Papierdoll Factory forward, making every piece a celebration of diversity and style.

The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee is an endowed fund that supports the next generation of fashion industry professionals with ties to Middle Tennessee by providing an annual financial award and resources for experiential professional development opportunities to advance the career of select local talent with demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field based on pre-established criteria.

“At its core, Nashville Fashion Week has always been about supporting the people who bring fashion to life. The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Award has recognized and celebrated the creative aspirations of fashion industry professionals for more than a decade with financial support to go, do, learn as part of their creative journey."  - Amy Fair, Senior Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Connie Cathcart-Richardson, Mclaine Richardson, Rhea Daniels and Marcia Masulla at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts Alexander McQueen Media Preview

"As the fashion and creative economy in Nashville evolves, our vision and mission continue to be focused on creating lasting impact in the ecosystem for the fashion community. Rhea's big picture strategy for her business is both inspiring and a worthy investment for The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund. We are excited to work with Rhea and others in the community on forging a new and fruitful path forward." - Marcia Masulla, Managing Director & Co-Founder + Connie Cathcart-Richardson, Co-Founder, Nashville Fashion Week | Nashville Fashion Forward Fund

Previous Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipients include apparel designers Haley Maddox, Van Hoang, Maria Silver, Eric Bornhop, Lauren Leonard Phelps and Julianna Bass Brea; manufacturer Megan Prange, fashion photographer Brett Warren; accessory designer Ceri Hoover; and Elise Joseph, brand strategist and creative director.

The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund is a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee that is funded with charitable donations and proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week. 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 single high-profile event to celebrate creativity, but also an ongoing, sustainable focus for philanthropic support of our community for many years to come.

NFW Day Party

NFW TO MAKE BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS & CELEBRATE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS AT 1 HOTEL NASHVILLE

Last week's Electric Runway was ELECTRIC in every way! Nashville Fashion Week’s momentum of embracing that "Fashion Is More Than A Week" continues on Sunday, April 30. Join us at Harriet's Rooftop for the NFW Day Party from 12 – 2 p.m. at 1 Hotel Nashville, 710 Demonbreun Street.

Meet, mingle, sip and shop the pop-ups of Astrid & Aurora, Black Sheep Goods, Her Personal Style Vintage and The Luxury Label Nashville. These Nashville brands are recognized for their sustainable and ethical business practices. NFW Day Party attendees can meet the owners and shop their wares during this event.

Guests will be among the first to hear major NFW announcements for fall and meet Haley Maddox, our tenth Nashville Fashion Forward Fund recipient. 

Attendees will also enjoy a complimentary signature Woodford Reserve bourbon or Herradura tequila cocktail with delicious veggie rolls and hot chicken bao buns from Harriet's. Nashville Smile Bar will capture the moment while DJ LA FORCE of QDP is sure to keep things lively. All proceeds from the NFW Day Party will benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Tickets to the NFW Day Party are $30. A limited number of tickets are on sale now at NashvilleFashionWeek.com.

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 with proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week each year. Previous recipients include Megan Prange, Van Hoang, Maria Silver, Brett Warren, Eric Adler, Ceri Hoover, Elise Joseph, Lauren Leonard and Julianna Bass.

1 Hotel Nashville opened in July 2022 as the first mission-driven luxury hotel in Downtown Nashville. Nestled in the heart of downtown Nashville, directly across from the Music City Center and within walking distance of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the property’s 215 rooms, including 61 suites with expansive city and skyline views, offer a level of service and comfort unrivaled in the region. A verdant ivy-covered façade and native landscaping evoke nearby natural attractions, from the bustle of the Cumberland River to the Smoky Mountains and the Natchez Trace. The urban retreat also includes 6,000 square feet of sustainable luxury meeting and event spaces as well as three distinct food & beverage outlets: 1 Kitchen, a sustainably sourced farm-to-table restaurant by Culinary Director and Top Chef alum Chris Crary; Harriet’s Rooftop, en elevated nightlife venue; and Neighbors, a café offering seasonal, fresh, picnic-fare showcasing ingredients from local purveyors. To recharge the mind, body, and spirit, guests can enjoy specially crafted treatments at Bamford Wellness Spa and Anatomy fitness center. For more information, please visit 1Hotels.com/Nashville. 

Woodford Reserve is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery, tucked in the heart of thoroughbred country in Versailles, Kentucky. A National Historic Landmark, the Woodford Reserve Distillery represents craftsmanship with a balance of historic heritage and modern practices. Woodford Reserve is a product of the Brown-Forman Corporation, a premier producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands including Jack Daniel’s, Finlandia, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Old Forester, Sonoma-Cutrer and Chambord. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. To learn more about Woodford Reserve, visit us woodfordreserve.com or check us out on Facebook. 

Introducing The AMAX + NFW Model Search 2022 Winners

Brittany Meadows, Ella Moyer, John Calado, Deundra Britton, Teanna Gilliam, Abby Hunt, Trey Lane, Maya Bennett, Isaac DaSilva and Riley Wilson (3 Rows L to R). Photographed by Jessica Amerson at Sonder Nashville with hair & makeup by Katie Galliher | AMAX Creative.

Congratulations to all ten of the AMAX + Nashville Fashion Week Model Search 2022 winners! The AMAX Talent + NFW Model Search has been a launchpad for successful modeling careers since its inception in 2012. In 2022, for the first time in its ten year history, ten winners were selected from hundreds of applications submitted by aspiring models of all sizes and genders, age 16+. Thirty finalists were invited to meet with AMAX model scouts at an in-person casting prior to the final selection for this coveted opportunity. All ten winners, ages 16 - 40, will receive a modeling contract and development resources from AMAX Talent, including a professional photo shoot with Jessica Amerson at Sonder Nashville.

We look forward to seeing this emerging talent on future NFW runways!

AMAX Talent is a full service agency representing fashion, commercial and lifestyle models as well as actors, hair and make-up artists, and wardrobe stylists. Cherylann Stephens, former director of Next and Wilhelmina in Los Angeles, opened AMAX's parent company, Maximum Artist Creative Services, in 2005 to fill the need for an artists agency in the Nashville market. In 2009, MACS acquired AMAX, a well known Nashville modeling agency founded in 1989. Through a strong emphasis on both local and direct booking, as well as scouting and developing local models for international placement, AMAX has quickly risen to become one of the premier agencies in the Southeast. AMAX models have been featured in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Celine, Jill Stuart, American Eagle, Ralph Lauren, Levi's, Tommy Hilfiger as well as walked the runways of Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Versace and Louis Vuitton. For more information on the agency, please visit AMAXTalent.com.

Shop Nashville 2020

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK PRESENTS SHOP NASHVILLE 2020 RETAIL PARTNERS AND EVENTS 

The Nashville Fashion Week Digital Experience is just a few days away and tickets are going fast for our FREE Fashion Talks and our three virtual Learning Labs. Follow Nashville Fashion Week closely on Instagram and Facebook next week for spotlights on our nineteen NFW 2020 designers and Shop Nashville partners. You don't want to miss a single one of these exciting digital events. Visit NashvilleFashionWeek.com to view the full schedule, including detailed event descriptions for each of our Shop Nashville participating retailers. We look forward to "seeing" you soon!

We are just twelve "We Are Nashville Fashion" T-Shirt sales away from reaching our goal. Please purchase your limited edition shirt HERE so that we can donate even more masks to MasksNow TN.

Shop Nashville is a city-wide celebration designed to encourage and support the local retail and maker community with creative and interactive ways to support our Nashville businesses. Shop our daily special events and promotions throughout the city at a wide variety of your favorite businesses on Tuesday, August 4 through Saturday, August 8. Our retail partners and several designers will host their own unique event and/or offer special discounts next week. All of these participating businesses, as well as several others that could not participate at this time, have made a donation to the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to show their support for our local fashion community. Please make plans to shop and support all of these retailers next week. Our independent businesses need us more than ever at this time!

Shop Nashville Events Include:

• Cosmetic Market will go live on Instagram at 4 p.m. Wednesday with Oribe to discuss hair, fashion and upcoming hair trends for fall 2020. They will offer a special Oribe gift during and after their event with any Oribe purchase.

• Enjoy the Brides by Glitz Nashville Mother of the Bride and Groom Fashion Show on Facebook Live on Thursday at 5 p.m.

• Emerson Grace will host a spotlight on style from Nashville creatives and tastemakers in their 12South store on Thursday at 5 p.m. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram too to see what these local trendsetters are coveting this summer. 

• Artist Ashley Trabue Studio is creating a small batch of NFW designer-inspired PORTALS that will draw their palette, mood, and elements from each designer's collection. She will host her NFW Mini Release on Instagram on Friday, August 7 at 9 p.m. 

• Book a Private Shopping Styling Session at Bonobos before or after regular shopping hours and save 30%.

• Visit Levy's for daily surprise Pop-Up Shops.

• Margaret Ellis Jewelry is offering private appointments to shop the ME Studio or to do a Facetime shopping spree with a special NFW 25% offer for online orders too August 4 - 8.

• Tune in to Instagram and Facebook daily for fashion inspiration from FLIP or stop by their women's or men's store in person. 

• Take advantage of discounts exclusive to Nashville Fashion Week. Save 15% off Disco Cowgirl at H. Audrey, $100 off any women's custom suit at Eric Adler Clothing and enjoy 25% off your website purchases at ABLE from August 4 - 8. 

• Three of our NFW designers, Lily Guilder (Saturday, 4 p.m.), The Morgan Factory (Wednesday, 4 p.m.) and No Worries (Friday, 6 p.m.) are offering special promotions surrounding their NFW Digital Experience debut next week.

Please shop all of our designers and also our other 2020 supporting retailer partners: Billy Reid, Haymakers, Hemline, J. Michael Clothier, Molly Green and Rachel's at The Hermitage Hotel. Our retail community needs our support now more than ever. 

Visit NashvilleFashionWeek.com for full details on all of these events and links to their websites.