Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Nashville Fashion Show!

Our June issue features an article on the Nashville Symphony’s Fifth Annual Symphony Spring Fashion Show. We had so much fun, but we just didn't have enough room to show all of our favorite pictures! So here is more from the fashion show and the article.




Celebrating Music and High Fashion
Recently, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi showed his fall 2010 collection at the Nashville Symphony’s Fifth Annual Spring Fashion Show, an event benefiting music education. With performances by country music group Little Big Town, a cocktail party, dinner and a silent auction, the evening was an all-around success. TEXT Nikki Aviotti | PHOTOGRAPHY Nikki Aviotti


On a warm April evening, Nashville’s finest gathered to raise funds and celebrate high fashion at the Nashville Symphony’s Fifth Annual Symphony Spring Fashion Show. Featured on the runway was the fall 2010 collection of fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, who teamed up with retailer Guy Mayer for the event. The show was emceed by country group Little Big Town.
The evening’s proceeds benefited the Nashville Symphony and the Thor Johnson Scholarship fund, named for former Nashville Symphony music director. The scholarship provides 12 school-aged students in Middle Tennessee an opportunity to advance their music education. “This cause is very meaningful to me,” said Mizrahi, who has a background in performing arts and is directing a production of Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” in St. Louis opening June 6. “I think the beginning of art is music. I respect so much musicians.”
The evening, co-chaired by Troy Solarek and Pamela Kurio-Poe, took a full year to plan. The Nashville Symphony’s courtyard, where a pre-show cocktail party was held, was decorated in a palette of pale greens and whites and was accented in floral arrangements by the Tulip Tree. A silent auction was also held during the pre-party, during which guests could bid on items from Tiffany, a trip to Fashion Week in New York, an evening for 12 with Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and a “Many Will See” necklace by Amanda Urrego.
Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild both donned sparkling Mizrahi ensembles from the collection and appeared with bandmates Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet. “I love fashion because it’s kind of like music,” Fairchild commented. “It’s a self-expression. It’s quite an honor to be able to wear his [Mizrahi’s] collection and be a part of this.”
Because music is such an important part of the band member’s lives, the group felt the need to contribute to the cause. “We just wanted to help out in the small way we could,” Schlapman said.
The fashion show took place in the Laura Turner Concert Hall, where models from the Nashville area glided along the catwalk in looks that included day and evening wear featuring fur, sequins, tulle and exposed zippers. “A lot of things inspire me,” said Mizrahi of his collection and shows. “This show we did in New York, I was inspired by the idea of sprites and fairies living in Central Park. I like the idea of that kind of urban fairytale.”
Before the show, Mizrahi playfully commented on Schlapman and Fairchild’s outfits, exclaiming, “Oh my God, where did you get those gorgeous dresses?” His light-hearted banter continued on stage before the show began, when the barefoot designer half-joked, “Anyone who wears my clothes, I love them!”
Although this was his first time visiting the country music capital, Mizrahi said, “I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of Nashville. There is something about it [country music] that is more direct and pure.”
The show ended with a standing ovation and was followed with an acoustic performance by Little Big Town including popular hits like “Bring it on Home,” “Stay” and “Vapor.” The crowd then poured out of the show and made its way to an outdoor tent where dinner was served as the evening wound down.

Before the Show:






Some of our favorite pieces!












A Standing ovation:



Little Big Town performing:



The end of the evening:

Monday, June 28, 2010

Summer Parties!

In our June issue, we asked two fantastic event planners to throw the perfect summer party. And boy did they ever! Our friends at Soireés in Chattanooga threw a Swapping Soirée and Stephanie, our Entertaining contributor from You're Invited in Nashville threw a Garden Gathering.

Here is a look at their parties!

Swapping Soirée
Party by Soirées in Chattanooga



Gather 10 to 20 of your best friends together to host this swapping soiree, an up-and-coming trend that rivals the more common clothes-swap parties. This is great for fashionable women on a budget who are interested in cleaning out their houses and getting some cool new items in return. We chose to swap household items, but this party can be tailored to meet the needs and wants of your closest friends. All newlyweds? Swap kitchen items to ensure everyone has just what they need for cooking bliss! All moms? Swap kid’s furniture, toys and clothing to meet the need of your growing families. Hold this party at any time of day, inside or outside. For stay-at-home moms who need a break, host an afternoon swap or if you’re aiming for a more intimate event, swap in the evening. This party is easy to personalize! PHOTOGRAPHY by Holritz Photography




This casual invitation reads:
“Join Morgan for a
Swapping Soirée! Tired of some of your household items, but can’t find time for a yard sale? Bring 10 of your gently used, unwanted items to trade with your friends!”

Be sure to specify a
drop-off time for the items prior to the party.




Guests can sign their names on small clipboards or simple index cards placed next to the items they like. At the end of the party, draw names for items with multiple shoppers.






Garden Gathering
Party by You’re Invited in Nashville



A summer garden, girlfriends and good food are the perfect reasons to host this outdoor garden gala! It’s a great excuse to get together with some close friends and take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and blooming flowers we’re blessed with here in the South. To keep the party intimate, limit the guest list to about eight people. Host your party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the perfect time for a light lunch and gathering with friends. (You can also hold the party indoors in a sunroom or screened in porch if the weather is too hot and humid.) Simple, delicious snacks and creative do-it-yourself decor add a personal touch to this whimsical summer party!
TEXT Stephanie Alexander Photography by Jonathon Campbell Photography



TIP: Incorporate your color scheme into every aspect of the party, from the tablescape and invitations to your clothing!




Rim drink glasses with colored sugar and arrange them on the table for a fun tablescape twist.




For more on these amazing parties, including recipes and DIY decor, pick up our June issue of At Home TN!