A Salute to Style

The Symphony Fashion Show Celebrates 15 Years of Design

Long before Music City was home to a number of global designer retail outposts, those most highly attuned to the local’s love for fashion began working on bringing the most renowned designers in the world to Nashville in an effort to raise funds and awareness for The Nashville Symphony. That initial launch event was the brainstorming project of former retail maven, Jamie Stream, who convinced Oscar de la Renta to grace the city and the Schermerhorn with his presence and beautiful designs. Immediately, the event was officially on the radar for the social and charity circuit throughout the area.

Since then, the baton has been passed with a brief interval when Nordstrom at The Mall at Green Hills was the retail host, prior to specialty women’s boutique Gus Mayer taking the reigns as presenting retail sponsor. Since that transition, the Gus Mayer team (in partnership with volunteer chairs and committees), has drawn a steady list of highprofile fashion houses to the Schermerhorn stage. The list includes Isaac Mizrahi, Pamella Roland, Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Brunello Cucinelli, MARCHESA, Monique Lhuillier and Jason Wu, and Christian Siriano. This Spring’s show is featuring the incredible Zang Toi, which is sure to be a spectacular runway presentation.

As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Symphony Fashion Show, it’s an opportunity to recognize and thank everyone who has helped elevate it to one of Music City’s biggest nights — from the incredible contributions of all our past Fashion Show chairmen to the star-studded list of designers and artists who have been a part of the event over the years. — Alan Valentine, Symphony President & CEO

While this special event is always at the top of our ‘annual favorites’ list for being entertained and mingling with hundreds of the city’s best dressed patrons, it also serves as one of the primary fundraisers for one of Nashville’s most treasured institutions. Proceeds reach tens of thousands of area residents through numerous programs, educational outreach and performances each year. In this town, music impacts all of us and for many, it starts with the efforts of this organization. Here, we are sharing a few fun images from previous years as well as a sneak peek of what to expect from designer Zang Toi. We hope to see you at the show!