Nashville's stars bring accessibility to fashion
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new generation of country musicians is changing the look of fashion in Music City with clothing lines designed with fans in mind.
Fashion has tended to be exaggerated and designed for the screen or the stage. Consider Dolly Parton’s body-hugging denim and rhinestones, Loretta Lynn’s sparkly ball gowns, or Shania Twain’s midriff-bearing leopard outfit.
“I think country artists, mainly women, have always really dressed well,” said Karen Fairchild of the Grammy-winning vocal group Little Big Town. “It’s been over-the-top and full of fabulous sequins and rhinestones, but it also was attractive and endearing.”
But Fairchild and others are leading a new wave of fashion style.
The Fair Child collection, launched this year at select Macy’s stores and online, reflects her love of high fashion, vintage clothes and glamour, but is affordable and tailored to be approachable.
Fairchild said she wanted many of her pieces to be easily paired with denim jeans and T-shirts, which she says is her fashion uniform.
The collection includes cocktail dresses, faux leather, faux fur jackets, metallic leggings, and sheer and lacy tops. Prices start at under $50.
Breakout country duo Maddie & Tae were tapped by Bloomingdale’s to help inspire a new AQUA capsule collection of clothing that includes embroidered bomber jackets, sequined dresses with plunging necklines and velvet slip dresses. Prices range from $38 to $498.
The singers, who went to their first fashion shows during New York Fashion Week this year, said the collection incorporates a bit of both of their styles.
“Tae normally goes with a romantic look and I normally go for an edgier look and that kind of fits our personalities, too,” said Maddie Marlow.
