Access To Nashville's Runways
Sometimes access is a privilege.
I'm excited that just over a week from now I'll be attending Nashville Fashion Week 2014. NFW has very graciously granted me access to runway shows, after parties, industry panels, and even an opportunity to chat with some of the designers. I have the honor of representing my demographic - women over 40, curvy, and disabled - and sharing my experiences during Fashion Week with you. It is this spirit of hospitality that has always been the most appealing and enduring quality of Nashville culture, and as the city grows and evolves I hope it is not corrupted or lost entirely.
As Opening Night approaches I encourage you to check out my previous post, Countdown to Nashville Fashion Week, for the full schedule from April 1-5. Tickets for most events are still available, but ticket prices go up on the 24th. Check the Nashville Fashion Week website for updated availability and pricing. Don't forget to search #whynfw or #nashfashweek on Twitter, Instagram, and Vine and #stylemynashville on NFE's Facebook feed to see the latest Fashion Week related pics. I'll share some of mine next week.
In the meantime I'm focusing on the NFW designers on Pinterest this week. Look for links to specific boards throughout the week. Today I want to give you a peek at the designers who will be featured on Opening Night.
Lagi Nadeau website and Pinterest board.
Image courtesy of Nashville Fashion Week Facebook Photo Album
Elizabeth Suzann website and Pinterest board.
Image courtesy of Nashville Fashion Week Facebook Photo Album
Laura Kathleen website and Pinterest board.
Image courtesy of Nashville Fashion Week Facebook Photo Album
Black by Maria Silver website and Pinterest board.
Image courtesy of Nashville Fashion Week Facebook Photo Album
Abi Ferrin website and Pinterest board.
Image courtesy of Nashville Fashion Week Facebook Photo Album
Image courtesy of Nashville Fashion Week Facebook Photo Album
Brooke Atwood website and Pinterest board.
But sometimes access is a right - or at least it should be. As wonderful as this city is there are far too many areas that are virtually inaccessible to wheelchairs because of grandfather loopholes in laws. So it's great to find this stretch of new construction behind Pinewood Social that has been built with accessibility in mind.
Here is the new Nashville; hi-rise, upscale apartments with first-floor storefront spaces, a perimeter park, and a sprawling, spacious ramp to get up the hill from Pinewood Social. Having an electric wheelchair only affords as much freedom as terrain and obstacles allow and it was a lot of fun to be able to explore this area extensively.
The neighborhood may be new and fancy but the clothes sure aren't. The grey Nygard jacket and purple wool-blend Chico's shirt are thrifted, and the burgundy straight-legged Democracy jeans were purchased at a store-closing 90% off liquidation. You've seen these grey studded Shi boots before - and you'll see them again because they are comfy and lend themselves well to multiple seasons. Even the London Fog tote was deeply discounted.
Here's hoping all of the Fashion Week venues are as accessible. I promise to give you a full report
Linking up for Visible Monday, Tres Chic Style Bits, Monday Bloom, and Monday Mingle.