New fashion alliance hopes to raise $100K in 30 days

The newly formed nonprofit Nashville Fashion Alliance is moving full steam ahead with its effort to cultivate Music City's emerging fashion industry.

The group, which is two years in the making, launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter Thursday to raise $100,000 by May 16.

Twenty-nine hours into the campaign, 104 people had pledged $21,909.

Led by CEO Van Tucker, the mission of the Nashville Fashion Alliance is to "build a sustainable and globally recognized industry through advocacy, economic development, resources and education." A major goal is to connect local fashion brands with the right resources and to help grow the city's infrastructure to support the fashion community.

The organization's launch comes as a growing number of designers, boutiques and stylists are choosing to put down roots in Nashville rather than a major fashion hub such as New York City.

High-end denim label Imogene + Willie, "Rhinestone Rembrandt" designer-to-the-stars Manuel, "Project Runway" Season 13 runner-up Amanda Valentine and luxury leather goods company Peter Nappi are among the local fashion industry's many success stories.

Still, a lack of manufacturing resources, funding and business training pose challenges to emerging brands. It's those big-picture issues the Nashville Fashion Alliance hopes to tackle.

Already, the Fashion Alliance has worked with organizations such as The Housing Fund and Catholic Charities of Tennessee to build a sewing certificate program to help develop skilled workers and fill a hole that exists in the manufacturing trade.

"…This is really about more than just fashion; we want to create jobs and impact people's lives for the better," Tucker says in the three-and-a-half minute Kickstarter video. "Can you imagine where we can train a skilled workforce that can earn a living wage and we can provide them a job at a company where they can be proud to work?"

Per Kickstarter regulations, the Nashville Fashion Alliance will only be funded if at least $100,000 is pledged by May 16.

The funds will be used to help build a team to focus on the Fashion Alliance's mission, and then the group hopes to develop a physical co-op in Nashville where emerging fashion brands can connect with the community, learn from mentors and access equipment. Also, a goal is to build a mentorship network to help local fashion entrepreneurs develop necessary business skills.

The Nashville Fashion Alliance has 15 board members, which includes fashion leaders, designers and retailers. Matt Eddmenson of Imogene + Willie is the board chairman. Other members include model and activist Karen Elson, Jamie Atlas of O'More College's School of Fashion, Dean Wegner of Omega Apparel, Libby Callaway of Billy Reid and Patrick Woodyard of Nisolo.

"Nashville is a perfect place to launch a fashion brand, and we're going to help new designers make that happen," Eddmenson said in a prepared statement.

The Fashion Alliance is offering Kickstarter backers rewards from local designers, a spot on the list of Founders and an invitation to a private music event at Imogene + Willie.

Watch the group's Kickstarter video and learn more about the organization.

Reach Lizzy Alfs at 615-726-5948 and on Twitter @lizzyalfs.