NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK NIGHT FOUR // GRAND AVE WORLDWIDE

FRIDAY 4/5/13

The dust is finally settling from an incredible Nashville Fashion Week, and I couldn't be any happier. Not happy that it's over of course but that it happened! I'm just so thrilled that this tiny community of fashion lovers has grown into a mass collective of fashion forward and fabulous ladies and gentlemen with the same passions and hopes for the growing industry here.

I've been in Nashville for something close to seven years now and the industry has grown so exponentially here that you wouldn't even recognize it - I swear! The fashion gods have smiled on our sweet, southern city! 

If you get a chance - be sure at thank all of the volunteers, sponsors, designers and co-founders for putting on such a spectacular event. We are so lucky to have such creative and hard working people on our side. 

LAGI NADEAU

The type of woman I'd envision in a Lagi Nadeau piece is effortlessly stylish. The Blair Waldorf type or a modern day Jackie O. Classic and sophisticated but with a girly edginess. She'd have a book in her bag for light reading and a Starbucks cup full of hot tea. She'd also have on sensible heels and probably won't ever admit to owning a pair of sweat pants. 

ABI FERRIN

Abbi Ferrin has immaculate taste in embellishments - just look at the variety in her collection! I was obsessed with the mesh/sheer maxi skirt with the side slit. I'd wear it everywhere! Let's not forget all of the fringe and feathers, either. Embellishments really make an outfit and you can tell she paid close attention to placement and construction with each piece. What an eye for detail! You can also lust after her inventive convertible dress too. Put it on your  wish list, ladies, you need to own it! 

LEONA

I hope I see 1970's Mod all over the place this fall because I'm so in love with it! Leona's jewel toned colors were all perfect for fall and the silhouettes were boxy and boyish but in the sexiest way imaginable. Bright prints were everywhere along with a selection of shirt dresses and cut-out shapes to complete the collection. I was really drawn to the peplum jewel color block top and the complimentary royal blue trousers. If I had this outfit I'd absolutely have to wear it with a set of spider like lash extensions Twiggy style. Perfection. 

SAND

Fashion label SAND has been around long enough to know exactly what works. They define themselves by three virtues: Passion, innovation and timeless design. I think we'd all make better wardrobe choices if we filled our closets only with things that met those standards. SAND just goes to show what hard work and an understanding of design will get you - a beautiful timeless collection for men and women. Everything about the line looked wearable and fun. I think they should add those two attributes to their list too!

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK 2013: NIGHT ONE x PINNACLE BLDG

It's that time of year again! Get ready for a flood of photo posts. Enjoy!

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK NIGHT ONE

PLENTY BY TRACY REESE 

Plenty by Tracy Reese had a great selection for any age or style, incorporating luxurious prints and bold spring colors. It was an effortlessly chic line that gave off a feminine vibe with its sleek silhouettes and floaty bohemian influences. You could definitely see a modern twist to some classic styles - refreshing and fun. 

TRACY REESE 

Following her other line, PLENTY, Tracy changed the mood from bohemian chic to sultry with her incorporation of  thoughtful structures and a toned down color palette.  Everything was still playful, but could be easily incorporated into a business casual wardrobe. I always appreciate things that can be integrated into any woman's closet!

KAL RIEMAN 

Cally Rieman is no stranger to our budding Nashville fashion industry, showing a beautiful collection last year - also at the Pinnacle Bldg - this year is no exception. Her designs were executed beautifully with a stunning array of mixed prints and flared pants reminiscent of the work-chic style of the 1970's, even with the added delight of pussy bows. Okay, I know that sounded pervy, but I swear to god thats what they're called! 

R E D D O L L    BY  TATYANA MERENYUK 

I hate to sound biased, but I LOVE this line. LOVE. Tatyana also showed last year in addition to Versace at the Parthenon. She always raises the bar on floaty, flirty and feminine which are my favorite F Words. The silhouettes are remarkably constructed to flatter any hot blooded woman. Heads up those of you who are engaged - she does wedding gowns! Rejoice! 

NONOO

Last, but most certainly not least, we have NoNoo who was so kindly sponsored this year by one of my favorite Nashville shopping spots, Gus Mayer. The whole collection brought Mother Russia to Nashville with the most fantastic glamorous flair! Fur hats? Check. Sultry reds and beautiful prints? Check. Classic shapes mixed with peek-a-boo cut outs?? DOUBLE CHECK. I'm sold. Bol'shoe Spasibo, NoNoo! (Thank you very much)

CATCH A SNEAK PEEK INTO NASHVILLE DESIGNER AMANDA VALENTINE'S BUSY LIFE AND CHIC STUDIO!

I had the pleasure of catching up with fellow Nashville fashion junkie and Project Runway contestant Amanda Valentine a few weeks back - we giggled and shared our love of occult symbolism along with ethnic prints and the frustrations of pattern making.  I'm always thankful to find like minded ladies to rant about the joys and tears of sewing, something I'm mediocre at - but Amanda is thriving and creating remarkable things with her unique vision and passion for her craft. 

Amanda will be having a summer preview sale / party for her line VALENTINE VALENTINE this Friday, April 5th at Bar No. 308. Come out and say hi, buy some awesome things and get drunk. In that order. You can find event information HERE on Facebook. 

AND

If you're going to be out and about for Nashville Fashion Week's activities this week you can also catch Amanda Wednesday, April 3rd at the Trolly Barns at Rolling Mill Hill. Get your tickets through NowPlayingNashville HERE.

Q+A 

What spring trends are you into right now? 

I love the black/white/red color blocked look for spring.  It feels so- unfussy and tough.  I've never been a floral/pastel girl, so anything bold I will latch onto immediately!  

Any predictions for what will be hot this summer?  

I love a kind of athletic aesthetic for summer.  I'm going to experiment with sweatshirt/sweatpant looks in lighter fabrics, mixed patterns and easy shapes.  Maybe even mix a tough crop top with a flowy skirt.  That's what I'll be in this summer!

What do you look for in a creative space / studio? 

Easy access to my supplies and great speakers!  I'm a horrible interior designer so it's all about function for me - with a few quirky items mixed in!  I keep gifts from my husband near my desk.  He recreated a Man Ray sculpture for me when we first started dating and recently bought me a spider frozen in Lucite.  My creative space must always include Spotify.  I listen to music all day everyday.

What bit of advice would you share with someone who is interested in starting their own line?

Pay attention to craft!  That's a lesson I learned via Project Runway.  I always assumed that I was the designer, so I didn't need to be the seamstress.  But having an understanding of how every aspect of construction works is CRUCIAL.  And when you start out, you are the one sewing it all (I STILL hand make every piece)!  Your pieces need to compete with a lot of amazing work out there.  So hustle!

If you could do it all over again, is there anything you might change?

I think I would have apprenticed a designer right out of college - that would have improved my craft and expanded my knowledge immensely.  

And I know I would have had more confidence in my voice and vision on Project Runway.  I know where I "slipped" - and although I'm grateful to have learned those lessons - it's tough to learn those lessons on national television!

It really is ALL about trusting your gut and following your vision.  100%.

What was your favorite Project Runway challenge? 

Miranda Lambert!  For so many reasons!  First of all, it started in a western bar, so I felt right at home.  Second, Miranda is a genius, and a real representation of the type of women I want to dress in real life.  But really, that was the only challenge I trusted my gut on!  I did exactly what I wanted to do and it was received wonderfully.  What an incredible feeling!

Any hints on what we can expect from you in the future? (hoping it involves more holographic fabric) :)

Coming home after the show has been such a whirlwind, and I've spent months saying, "uh, what next?"  I'm still styling, working on some collaborations and making clothes!  I'm planning an event for next week- a mini trunk show/party at 308 and already have plans for a fall fashion show at a new venue, "The Crying Wolf", opening later this spring! DIY!

NASHVILLE FASHION WEEK INDUSTRY PANEL

The stylishly smart side of fashion - industry panels - will be presented this coming Wednesday, April 3rd in our fair city as we all gear up for the lovable madness of Nashville Fashion Week. 

I'm excited that some of my favorite people will be speaking on my favorite 'business of blogging and fashion' topics including Amanda Valentine of Project Runway, the owner of the brilliant fashion-for-all website Thompson Fifteen, Chelsea Eager along with a panel moderated by Nashville fashion icon, Libby Callaway and many other big names in our fashion industry. 

Check out the full rundown in their press release provided below:

AND remember, panels are FREE but they do ask for a donation. If you want to be sure and reserve your spot, click HERE so they can send you your confirmation ticket. Space is limited, so get going ladies.  

- Katie 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (March 22, 2013) – Nashville Fashion Week is proud to announce the 2013 Fashion Industry Panels, which will take place Wednesday, April 3, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Emma's Bistro (9 Lea Avenue) at The Trolley Barns at Rolling Mill Hill.

 

Industry Panels are free for all Emerging Designer applicants, All Access Pass Holders and ticket holders, however reservations are required for admission and there is a $10 suggested donation at the door. Reserve your space at www.NowPlayingNashville.com.

INDUSTRY PANEL SCHEDULE: 

 

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

THE BUSINESS OF ATTIRE: HOW TO BUILD A FASHION BRAND 

Experts dish the nitty-gritty of growing a fashion company from the ground up. A must for all designers as well as anyone who wants “real world” insight into how the fashion industry works.

Moderator: Sophie Simmons, designer/owner of a small luxury fashion company 

Panel: Design, development and production specialist David Perry of The DSP Group; entertainment attorney Robert Darwell of Sheppard Mullin; designer and Nashville Fashion Fund 2012 winner Lauren Leonard of Leona; NFW 2013 designer Cally Rieman of Kal Rieman; retail recruiter for the Nashville Downtown Partnership Crissy Cassetty

 

1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

MUSIC CITY RETAIL ROCKS! SELLING FASHION IN NASHVILLE

Leading local retailers tell what it takes to run and buy for a fashion boutique. A variety of different business models will be explored, including online, direct sales, and traditional designer-driven stores.

Moderator: Elizabeth Broyhill, veteran Nashville retailer and brand and media consultant 

Panel: Nashville-based designer and boutique owner Kayce Hughes; Thompson Fifteen owner Chelsea Eager; Sevier Skirts founder Suzanne Sevier Rowland; Kathy Hadley of POSH Boutique; Whitney Dunn, co-owner of The Perfect Pair

 

3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

LOOK SHARP! SELLING THE IMAGE

Pros weigh in on how strong visuals, good press assets and a solid social media plan sell a brand. It’s a boon for anyone who’s curious about the world of marketing and image. 

Moderator: Libby Callaway, fashion writer/media consultant 

Panel: 2013 Project Runway contestant and fashion designer Amanda Valentine of Valentine Valentine; Bismarck Phillips Communications (BPCM) owner Carrie Phillips; Nashville Pinterest superstar and social media expert Lauren Zwanziger; Next Model Management agency director Alexis Borges; fashion/celebrity stylist and former contributor to Vogue andLove, Sally Lyndley 

 

Tickets, the full Nashville Fashion Week schedule and additional details on each industry panel moderator and speaker can be found at www.NashvilleFashionWeek.com.