Now that I’m back from my trip around the world, I’m back just in time for Nashville Fashion Week! Whenever I go to fashion week events I keep an eye out for new designers who may be trickling into the rental market. I also watch for emerging trends to help you decide whether they will be here for a while or just this season.
The crew at Nashville Fashion Week put together an incredibly packed schedule this year. Here are just a few of my favorite moments. Fashion Week got off to a start at Acme’s upper level in downtown Nashville with an opening runway show. The designer showcase featured local designers Amanda Valentine, Ona Rex, Van Hoang, Ola Mai, Eric Adler, Pink Elephants Designs, and Black by Maria Silver.
DAY 1 – Nashville Designer Showcase at Acme Feed & Seed
My opening party look: Hermès Birkin bag, Burberry jacket, Seven jeans, Blush top & Ivanka Trump heels.
The real star of the outfit? This art deco inspired Lulu Frost necklace. I rented this piece before and this month is came in my Unlimited package from Rent The Runway.
LOVE Amanda Valentine (of Valentine Valentine and Project Runway fame) and her boho chic vibe. To date, we’ve seen the type of statement pieces from her that better lend themselves to rentals than purchases. Her stuff is unique and great to watch on a runway. Will be interesting to see if she allows her stuff to hit sites like Rent the Runway as her brand becomes more commercial.
Then there’s Truly Alvaregna (Pink Elephants Designs) whose bold prints and rainbow-bright fabrics really remind me of some of the Clover Canyon pieces I adore renting but strongly advise against purchasing. In all honesty, how many times can you find an excuse to wear a multi-colored, multi-layered, tulle fringed tutu? Maybe once, but I’m guessing not more than that. Rental!
Rounding out the lineup of local designers is Maria Silver (Black by Maria Silver). While her style has a lovely edge to it, her pieces are made to become wardrobe staples thanks to classic shapes and more muted color combos. I covet pieces like her embellished jersey dresses. If you want to buy local, I’d put my money on Maria for a wardrobe investment.
And don’t forget the guysEric Adler will be making an appearance on the Nashville runway. I like that he elevates man-staples like checked and striped shirts and appreciate his push to bring back the pocket-handkerchief. If I’m not too busy watching the other designers, my husband may find his wardrobe expanding this week as well!
DAY 2 – Accessories as Art Installation at The Cordelle
The Accessories as Art Installation was hosted at The Cordelle and featured local accessory designers and makers in an artistic exhibit by Amos Gott of Amos Events. The stunning installation featured Brooke Hagaman of Bone Feather, Brooke Seraphine of Seraphine Design, Anna Zeitlin of Fanny & June, Mclaine Richardson of Margaret Ellis Jewelry, Dana & Phillip Nappi of Peter Nappi, Erin Proctor Herb of RINjuel, and Alison Volek Shelton of Shutter & Shuttles.
The event space elegantly combined elements from the past and present, bridging history and the making of new moments. Congratualtions on a different display, The Cordelle is an old house thats been transformed to an event space. Upon entering there was a table set for an over-the-top dinner party and the guests were “the accessories”. The showstopper of the evening was definitely Seraphine Design, melding elegant pieces that are at once strikingly modern and simply classic. One brand that missed the mark was the Margaret Ellis Jewelry Collection. The pieces lacked vision and were crazy over-priced which is unfortunate considering the brand has been around since the 1980’s. Moving on.
DAY 4 – Design + Fashion at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
Celebrating where design meets interiors, art and fashion, the artistic event featured select works from Herb Williams’s Call of Couture crayon sculpture series and handbag designer Ceri Hoover, recipient of the 2014 Nashville Fashion Forward Fund award.
DAY 4: Ready-to-Wear Runway Show at Bicentennial Mall Amphitheatre
The fourth night of Nashville Fashion Week was a ready-to-wear runway show at the Bicentennial Mall Amphitheater. Designers included Michael Magnone of Circle of Gentleman, Lagi Nadeau, Megan Huntz, Alfredo Bove for Religion, and Vanderbilt graduate Timo Weiland. I’m so impressed by each of these designers, each have such a unique take on current trends. Matching two pieces, interesting detailing and a fresh take on how to use faux fur in tastefully bold ways domintated the show. What I loved most was that many of the pieces fused urban nonchalance with easy glamour, perfect for the modern traveler!
Megan Huntz (above photo)
RELIGION Clothing
Circle of Gentlemen
Timo Weiland
Lagi Nadeau had the look of the night. I’m so impressed by these designers, each have such a unique take on current trends. Matching two pieces, interesting detailing and a fresh take on how to use faux fur in tastefully bold ways domintaed the show. What I loved most was that many of the pieces fused urban nonchalance with easy glamour, perfect for the modern traveler!
DAY 5 – Industry Panels at City Winery
The week concluded with industry panels hosted at City Winery. Fashion Meets Technology: The Future of the Industry, Manufacturing and Retail, was presented by MTSU Textiles, Merchandising and Design. Robust discussions on how technology is changing the way fashion is produced and consumed gave an inside look into brands and businesses that are creating new approaches in the industry.
My Rent the Runway dress has just arrived, so I’m off to get ready for the gala tonight. Can’t wait to post photos from the event, the award recipients and the fashionistas!
Christy