Style Icon Jane Dudley

Prominent international socialite and philanthropist, Jane Dudley, was born in Nashville in 1925. In 1963, she was the founding chairman of the Swan Ball, beginning preparations for the first event in 1962. The Swan Ball continues to be known as the most exclusive party in Nashville, even prompting Town & Country magazine to write: “If you receive an invitation to the Swan Ball, drop everything else and accept at once!”

Jane Dudley & Lynn Wyatt

Peyton Hoge

There is no doubt that Dudley loved a party, chairing over 25 charity events around the world and raising millions of dollars in her lifetime. She planned each party meticulously, refusing to overlook any particular detail and ultimately having the final say in each decision. It is needless to say that those details were evident in both the events themselves, but also in her immaculate sense of style.

Through the decades of countless events, Dudley’s love for luxury and all things glamorous only grew. Among her many undertakings, she also served on the board of Tiffany & Co., managing their corporate accounts for nearlytwo decades. She was even given the honor of being inducted to the International Best Dressed List, where such honors have also been given to legendary females like Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel and Sophia Loren. It is no wonder then that her renown style and sensible wardrobe are still relevant to this day.

Model wearing one of Dudley's unforgettable pieces. Dudley's gowns for this shoot were provided by The Nashville Fashion Council

Alysse Gafkjen

In this editorial, the stylist shows how some of her pieces are beyond timeless, as elegant today as they were when selected by Jane initially for her many appearances. Not only was her wardrobe an inspiration for decades of social and fashion coverage in the media, but also lives on to inspire a new generation of young women seeking unforgettable style.

Renegade Spirit blue suede fringe jacket, Maximalist; Brunello Cucinelli sand suede pants, The Luxury Label; Whittall & Shon woven hat, Belle Meade Plantation Gift Shop

Alysse Gafkjen

Fiandaca ivory gown with feather hem detail, Nashville Fashion Council Archives; Whittall & Shon blue hat with studded crown, Belle Meade Plantation Gift Shop; Belt with dueling guns buckle, The Style Pantry; Dolce & Gabbana silver cross body with large embellishment, The Style Pantry; Escada black studded boots, The Luxury Label

Alysse Gafkjen

Elie Tahari ivory blouse; The Luxury Label; custom sequin pleated skirt, Nashville Fashion Council Archives; black rhinestone studded belt, The Luxury Label; Escada black studded boots, The Luxury Label; Whittall & Shon black & white hat, Belle Meade Plantation Gift Shop

Alysse Gafkjen

Fiandaca green & yellow beaded gown, Nashville Fashion Council Archives; Mui Mui gold-quilted handbag with gold chain & Swarovski crystal detail, The Style Pantry

Alysse Gafkjen

Fashion Editor: Milton White, The Fashion Office Photographer: Alysse Gafkjen Model: Ashley Fisher, AMAX Makeup Artist: Clarence Jerigan Hair Stylist: Holly Johnson, Style House Salon Photo Assistants: Lindsey Mogan & Russell Waddell

Photographed at the Belle Meade home of Steve & Milah Lynn