Style: Hunter Claire Rogers

The Connector

Growing up, Hunter Claire always looked forward to her birthdays. Like any other party or occasion, her mother went all-out, hosting memorable gatherings that were talked about long after the last candle was blown out. It’s from her mother that she developed her original passion for events, and that love has just grown as she’s gotten older. Often dubbed ‘the mayor’ by members of the various circles she’s associated with, Hunter Claire spends the majority of her time involved with the many facets of keeping others entertained. Currently, that involves a great deal of work in ramping up the activities with members for the soon-to-open Nashville location of Soho house. The highly selective social club is a favorite internationally, and she assures us that the city’s chapter will be equally enticing for members. With her input, we have no doubt that’s the case. She also devotes time to discovering the most interesting goods, services, events, and artists in and around the area to share in various ways through her multiple businesses like RSVP Nashville and HCR Events. If you want to be ‘in the know,’ she’s got you covered with a keen eye for curated events and openings that aren’t always widely publicized.

One of the things we like most about Hunter Claire, aside from her unique sense of style and confidence, is her devotion to embrace everyone in her efforts. To that end, she has been compiling a list of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) event vendors in Nashville, a living list with recommendations accepted via hunterclaire. com. She’s not just a connector of people and organizations but a true believer in promoting and uplifting efforts to improve the quality of life for all of us. Born and raised locally and returning to a booming area after years abroad, she sees many different parts of our growing city.

“Our fellow Nashvillians are being displaced, and entire communities are no longer able to afford to live here with housing prices skyrocketing. There are some great organizations working to support communities in Nashville that touch on some of these issues, such as The Equity Alliance, Gideon’s Army, TIRRC, Conexión Américas, and Moving Nashville Forward, working to create a universal basic income pilot here, just to name a few.” It’s not only the ‘fun’ stuff she’s passionate about but gives time and energy to things needed to ensure the future is bright for everyone. Maybe she should truly consider that mayor position in the future? Based on what we’ve seen, she’s got our vote!

Top & Pants — Ora Rex

SHOE FETISH

Shoes drive my wardrobe. If I wear black, you’ll generally find me gravitating to a bright heel. I don’t know if I could ever pick a favorite, but I am currently in love with a pair of vintage Donald Pliner pointed red suede mules that a dear friend and mentor gifted to me. I normally don’t buy ‘basics,’ but I own several ‘everyday’ designs from Nisolo and ABLE. Both local, ethical brands are focused on sustainability.

WARDROBE WARRIORS

I have a well-known problem with clothes. UAL will always have my heart because of some of the amazing things I’ve been able to score there. We also have a great local design community here with Van Hoang, Black by Maria Silver (her jumpsuits are my work uniform), Oil / Lumber, Laura Citron, Any Old Iron, Brownlee and Natalie Busby to mention a few.

VINTAGE FINDS

I love pop-up’s like Be Good Shop, Vintage Social Club, and Porter Flea. The East Nashville Antique Market (formerly 8th Ave Antiques), GasLamp Antiques, and GasLamp Too are also great for unique treasures. Locally based shoppable Instagram accounts Ebb + Iv Vintage, The Pete Shop, and Nashville Modern are so good for online browsing, too.

GIRLS' NIGHT OUT

Otto’s is a great place to hang for happy hour or for a nightcap. I recommend trying one of their signature cocktails.

DATE NIGHT

Chef-Owner Mailea Weger’s Lou for the seasonal, inventive, and flavorful menu and the best natural wine selection of any restaurant in town.

UNIQUE EVENT EXPERIENCE

Local chocolate sommelier Sophia Contreras Rea’s chocolate pairing classes for events are beautifully presented, so informative, and delicious. (@projectchocolat).

Dress — Black by Maria Silver

UNEXPECTED HAVEN

The family-owned coffee shop Tempo on Nolensville Pike for java, delicious breakfast tacos, and addictive dirty horchata.

RECENT DISCOVERY

Clarence Edward’s The Cë Gallery in Madison is pushing the boundary of what’s expected of a gallery in this city with outstanding programming for the arts and the performing arts.

THE LATEST AND GREATEST

I run an Instagram account @rsvpnashville - curating recommendations for weekly events. The premise is if I had the ability to teleport, what events would I like to attend in Nashville each night? So fun!