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In the spirit of cultivating local and emerging designer talent, WonderMode looks beyond NYC this season to sponsor the up-and-comers of Nashville. Lexus Nashville Fashion Week has become the city’s fast-growing signature fashion event and runs March 20 – 24 to showcase the best and brightest of Nashville’s fashion scene.
“Fashion doesn’t have a zip code,” said Cindy Wall, one of the key organizers of Nashville Fashion Week. “We’re not trying to be New York, but bringing a distinct Nashville flavor [to Fashion Week].”
The lineup for the week truly reflects the “Nashville flavor” of the city’s talent and tastes to include established names like Versace Collection and G-Star Raw to local stars Julianna Bass, Leona, and Amanda Valentine. If you’re picturing denim cutoffs and cowboy boots, think again. These designers represent a diverse range of styles and vibes, from red-carpet sophistication to spunky bohemian — Stetsons not included.
Julianna Bass
Julianna Bass (WonderMode Featured Designer) became the inaugural recipient of the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund Award following Nashville Fashion Week 2011. A Tennessee native, Julianna Bass maintains a distinct signature look throughout her collection with a modern edge.
Amanda Valentine
Valentine Valentine by Amanda Valentine (who was born and raised in Nebraska) is a cohesive hybrid of contemporary pop culture and the designer’s Midwestern roots.
Leona
Leona is the contemporary luxury brand designed by Lauren Leonard, who seeks to redefine the southern belle with the right balance of whimsy and sophistication. Since its debut in 2008, Leona has gained considerable media attention in Elle and Lucky magazines and hit television series Gossip Girl and 90210, as well as celebrity fans Taylor Swift and Giuliana Rancic.
by Smith
by Smith (WonderMode Featured Designer) is the brainchild of contemporary designer Smith Sinrod, a graduate of the University of Alabama Apparel Design program who is now based in New York. Smith’s inspiration is sourced from retro bygone eras with mod influences, fused with bold prints and bright colors. You can also shop by Smith Spring/Summer 12 collection on her wonderMode shop.
Kal Rieman
Kal Rieman (WonderMode Featured Designer) is known for her clean tailoring to transform a woman into a chic and sophisticated “powerwoman.” Her love of classic styles is combined with a uniquely simplistic vision to create a timeless yet modern collection. You can also shop Kal Rieman’s Spring/Summer 12 collection on her wonderMode shop.
Wai Ming
Described as fresh, timeless, and effortlessly chic, Wai Ming is the womenswear collection designed by Emily Brady Koplar, a Parsons School of Design alum who is influenced by her multi-cultural background, global travel, and art.
Nashville Fashion Week lies within WonderMode’s commitment to foster young and emerging designers upon a globalized e-commerce spectrum. For a second year, proceeds from this week’s event will benefit the Nashville Fashion Forward Fund, awarded to select local talent with prior demonstrated experience in a fashion-related field.
In addition, WonderMode will select one designer at the conclusion of the week’s events to feature on the WonderMode website and offer business mentorship as well as a global platform to launch the budding collection.
“We are excited to work with Nashville Fashion Week and offer our expertise in supporting new American talent, incubating vision and creativity, and providing a platform to increase new talent’s brand awareness and global distribution,” said Aaron Duncan, WonderMode’s founder.
Stay tuned for the complete coverage on Nashville Fashion Week — an exciting and distinctly Nashvillian event featuring wide global appeal on a local scale.
