Tweet

Tuesday, April 26, British designer label Marchesa was featured at this year's Nashville Symphony Spring Fashion Show, held at the world famous Schermerhorn Symphony Center. 

Marchesa is known in the fashion industry for delivering glamorous, decadent, and eclectic designs seen most often in lavish weddings and on red-carpet celebs such as Halle Berry and Anne Hathaway. Designers Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman are the creative genius behind Marchesa, and both were present at the event looking as gorgeous as their runway models.  

Prior to the show, media gathered upstairs in the Green Room for photos. The two designers looked stunning, wearing very different but equally magnificent gowns. Craig resembled a Grecian Goddess in a long, white, flowy, deco-inspired dress with gold beading at the neckline. Chapman was red-carpet ready in a peach, short, sleeveless dress with billowy feather trim that complimented her skin tone beautifully. And we couldn't help but notice Faith Hill--the evening's entertainment, wearing a gorgeous, long, slate blue, one-shoulder gown.

T.V. personality, Deborah Roberts' beet red, short, one-shoulder gown added a nice pop of color against the other more neutral shades. All of the ladies looked incredible and unique!

Downstairs, the reception area was packed and the pre-show cocktail reception was in full swing. Style Promenade gave me the honor of being the Style Ambassador for the evening, selecting the most stylish ladies and gentlemen in the crowd. Ladies wore cocktail dresses in a wide array of colors such as gold, cream, black, red, yellow and blue paired with peep-toe pumps and strappy sandals, as well as statement jewelry and handbags. The gents wore well-tailored suits with striking ties, socks, and cuff links.

Inside, the elegance of the Schermerhorn foreshadowed the designs to come. The first model down the runway wore an ultra-dramatic long black dress with a velvet, mermaid-style bottom.

The top of the dress paired sheer tulle, puffed sleeves and a lace with intricate cut-out detail.

The models wore their hair slicked back and cinched at the nape with a teased pouf, providing a consistent visual impact alongside the contrasting fabrics of the collection.

Lace, tulle, feathers, silk, and leather dominated the fabric choices. Each element blended beautifully for an ethereal, other-worldly effect. One highlight was an art deco style long, cream off-the shoulder dress with a cream tulle, pouf sleeved cape. The model floated across the stage resembling an ice princess or bridal nymph.

The color palette was mainly neutral with soft cream and grey, with blood red and black mixed in for added drama.

Lace socks and fabulous beaded clutches completed the looks.

Another highlight (and my absolute favorite ensemble of the show) was an incredible monochromatic, cream outfit worn by model Amber Chapman who looked like a harlequin doll in a sheer cream top with a tulle Edwardian style collar. Paired with cream, leather (python?) skinny pants, the statement was at once, romantic and modern. 

For the finale, all of the models paraded down the runway looking absolutely phenomenal!

Thank you Keren and Georgina for bringing your glamorous collection to Nashville! Congratulations to Co-Chairs Janet Bentz and Johnna Watson for an incredibly organized, well-attended event! Great job, ladies!

And, a very special thank you to Nashville Designers Manny Cuevas of Wear It Out Manuel and Denise Crapps of Mesyia Designs for designing my dress for the evening and Charles Brown of Charles Lord for Alicia Boswell's beautiful dress.

(left: Angela Wynne  right: Alicia Boswell)

And last, but not least, K.K. of Works of Art Salon for my amazing updo!  

Thank you Nashville for supporting this amazing event! See you next Spring!

Below is a video we produced for the event. It includes an interview with the designers and the entire runway show.