When you reach the highest high, you must come down to an equally low low to return  to equilibrium. Thats how I feel about Nashville Fashion Week 2014. Participating as one of the select designers for the fashion week of my city was such a rush that lasted all week long; Monday to Saturday! But as all wonderful things come to an end, the following Monday and remainder of the week was like a hangover or some kind of addiction withdrawal. I am writing this on Wed the 16th and i am finally recovering fully from the delightful madness.  Just so I know I’m normal i shared these feelings with my good friend Denise Roxenstone, a Swedish designer who presented on Saturday night, and she shared similar sentiments.

The first night of Fashion Week was held at the Zeitgeist Gallery by Fashion Happening Nashville. I went with my girlfriend and connected with Andrew of Any Old Iron Boutique, Julia Clancy, who showed Saturday night, Kimberly of Sisters of Nature, Sarah of Denim & Spirits and many others. Thank God for this intimate setting for networking opportunities! Being the first night of the week I was full of excitement and energy, so Hunter Claire of Rouge Rouge Blog did a quick interview and then we got out of there as they were closing down the party. 

Tuesday began the first official night of NFW 2014. It was held at a gorgeous location, Rosewall, an event space connected to a relatively new restaurant in the Gulch Saint Añejo.  Manuel and I had discussed putting on a show there several months before when it was incomplete, but they beat us to it.  The runways were nice and I really enjoyed Black by Maria Silver and Pink Elephants showings. The after party was at the always swanky club Citizen where we witnessed a couple getting kicked out for pouring airplane bottle shots into their drinks!

Wednesday was my night, the emerging designer showcase.  All day long i was in and out of the small venue Ruby, across from Vanderbilt, doing fittings, steaming clothes, doing interviews, practicing with models, checking music, styling hair and outfits, etc,etc…Several of my friends were able to get tickets before the show SOLD OUT so that was nice. My parents and my mentor, Manuel also attended as supporters.  When the time came for my models to walk I heard a gasp of awe from the crowd which followed by cheers for the remaining 4 models. When i walked out I raised my hands the audience starting screaming!  What an amazing feeling to walk and feel the LOVE and shake the hand of the man whom I owe my whole career to, Manuel Cuevas. I really feel that i had a very unique collection of pieces from the other designers and it was a mixture of some things i showed in Fashion Week Alabama and some new pieces I whipped up in the month following FWA.  A “Best Of” if you will for my Fall 2014 collection.  Also noteworthy: Fern Mallis, the creator of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week complimented me on a “fantastic collection” and gave me a shoutout on her Instagram later that night!

Thursday was also fun filled action! Manuel hosted his own event “Manuel’s Top Picks” at his studio on Broadway and he invited Jonathon Kayne, Betty Malo, Carlos Bonola, Nina D and I to show 3 looks in a meet and greet style fashion show. It was such an honor to receive an achievement award from such a leader in the Nashville industry.  I was awarded and did a live radio interview that night at the show.

By Friday I was running out of gas. My shows were over and I wanted a break, although there was a nice show outside on 5th Ave N in the Art District of Downtown that featured a longgggg catwalk.  This was probably my favorite show because the models were allowed to walk sexy, bounce to the music and really make the clothing look good. The weather was a bust.

Saturday was such a good showing! My friend Denise Roxenstone who was accepted 2 weeks before her show and frantically created 16 amazing looks put on a great show. I also enjoyed Jonathan Kayne’s razzle and dazzle red carpet dresses. It was an altogether fun night especially because my girlfriend and I finally got to celebrate with my friends, whom we met at the Tippler after the Marathon Music Works show and after party. I wore my favorite jacket from the collection and a brand new custom bolo tie that Paco Despacio, an old hippie button maker from Oregon made me. We met lots of new friends, such colorful people, took fun pictures and drank Jack Daniels. Overall the week was a success

I am glad to finally have connected with Tray Simmons of Bravo Modeling Agency as well as all of the others Eric Adler connected with. I must thank Rachael Moore for being a huge support all week long with her presence as well as my other Rachael, “my work wife” who is such a badass in so many ways.  Connie Chornuk, my talented photographer for getting there early and getting a great spot in the pit.  Thank you Alex Adler for your many helping hands and finally, my great friend Manuel. I think its always important to count our blessings and be thankful of those who play a part in what we dream up. I remember in 2013, I attended my first NFW event; it was a show on the top floor of the the Pinnacle building. I sat down next to my new friend Phillip Madison, an emerging designer that year, and told him that I’m going to be here next year.  What a blessing it was to have my dream made into reality!