14^th annual event set for Tuesday, May 14, with proceeds to support Symphony’s artistic, education and community programs

Nashville, Tenn. (November 15, 2018) – Cynthia Arnholt and Allison Schaufele, chairmen of the 2019 Symphony Fashion Show, have named Wes Gordon – Creative Director of Carolina Herrera New York – as the featured designer for the 14^th annual event next spring.

One of Nashville’s leading runway shows, presented through a partnership between the Nashville Symphony and Gus Mayer of Nashville, the 2019 Symphony Fashion Show will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. 

“Tasked with the daunting prospect of taking over for a legend like Carolina Herrera, Wes Gordon has expertly maintained the iconic status of her line while adding his own creative touch with unique styles, colors and innovations that appeal to fashionistas both young and old alike,” Arnholt and Schaufele said in a joint statement. “Wes is the total package – young, hip and, of course, Southern – and we couldn’t be happier that he’s coming to Nashville in May to feature his fall line.”

Carolina Herrera is a New York-based fashion house recognized for creating beautifully crafted collections synonymous with impeccable style and bold elegance. With the appointment of Wes Gordon as Creative Director in 2018, the House has reinforced its commitment to the strong codes established by the founder, blending traditions of couture craftsmanship with the wearability and pragmatism of American fashion.

The Carolina Herrera brand and licenses include a portfolio of ready-to-wear, bridal, eyewear and fragrance, as well as accessories for women, men and children. Today, the brand is available in 105 countries at 15,000 points of distribution, including over 350 CH Carolina Herrera and 4 Carolina Herrera New York retail locations

The Symphony Fashion Show is one of the Nashville Symphony’s two major fundraisers each year. Proceeds from the event support the organization’s education and community engagement programs – which annually reach tens of thousands of Middle Tennessee children and adults through free concerts, classroom activities, hands-on instruction and more – as well as helping to sustain the Nashville Symphony’s mission of achieving artistic excellence through outstanding performances, world premieres, commissions and GRAMMY®-winning recordings.

Past designers for the Symphony Fashion Show have included Jason Wu, Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Brunello Cucinelli, Christian Siriano, Oscar de la Renta, MARCHESA, Monique Lhuillier, Isaac Mizrahi and Pamella Roland.

The featured entertainer for the 2019 Symphony Fashion Show will be announced in early 2019. Kelsea Ballerini, Sara Evans and Mandy Barnett are just a few of the artists who have appeared as the featured entertainer in recent years.

Tickets for the event will go on sale in March. More information is available at NashvilleSymphony.org/SFS.

Wes Gordon’s bio and photo are available for download on Dropbox here.