Top 10 Fashion Designers in Tennessee: From Southern Charm to High Fashion

Introduction: Tennessee’s Emerging Fashion Identity

Tennessee is known for its music, hospitality, and rich culture — but fashion? Absolutely. From the couture shops of Nashville to independent labels in Memphis and Chattanooga, the state’s fashion scene is booming with creativity and Southern soul.

This article explores the top 10 fashion designers in Tennessee, featuring famous, independent, emerging, and local fashion designers who are leading the way in style, sustainability, and innovation.

1. Manuel Cuevas (Manuel Couture)

Based In: Nashville, TN
Style: Rhinestone cowboy, country music glam
Why He Stands Out: A legend in the fashion world, Manuel has dressed everyone from Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley. He’s one of the most famous fashion designers from Tennessee and the king of “Nudie suits.”

2. Eric Adler (Eric Adler Clothing)

Based In: Nashville, TN
Style: Modern tailoring, vintage influence
Why He Stands Out: Known for impeccable craftsmanship, Eric designs high-end menswear with a punk edge. He’s one of the top clothing designers in Tennessee for contemporary gentlemen.

3. Olia Zavozina

Based In: Nashville, TN
Style: Bridal couture and menswear
Why She Stands Out: Olia’s custom gowns and suits have graced red carpets and high-profile weddings. A Russian-American designer, she is one of the best fashion designers in Tennessee for bespoke luxury.

4. Any Old Iron (Andrew Clancey)

Based In: Nashville, TN
Style: Gender-fluid sequins, glam rock
Why He Stands Out: British-born Andrew Clancey brings rockstar energy to Music City. His label “Any Old Iron” is one of the most distinctive independent fashion brands in Tennessee, worn by Beyoncé and Cher.

5. Amanda Valentine

Based In: Nashville, TN
Style: Minimalist silhouettes, artistic edge
Why She Stands Out: A Project Runway finalist, Amanda is an emerging designer in Tennessee blending fashion, styling, and music scene aesthetics into her clean, cool collections.

6. Shea Steele (White Rabbit)

Based In: Nashville, TN
Style: Streetwear meets surrealism
Why She Stands Out: Shea’s independent label “White Rabbit” is known for handcrafted garments with unexpected fabrics and gender-neutral design. She’s a top independent fashion designer in Tennessee on the rise.

7. Cavanagh Baker

Based In: Nashville, TN
Style: Bold luxury womenswear
Why She Stands Out: Cavanagh designs with dramatic cuts and luxurious fabrics, creating red-carpet-worthy pieces. She’s a leading fashion designer in Tennessee with a growing celebrity clientele.

8. Elizabeth Suzann Studio

Based In: Nashville, TN
Style: Slow fashion, minimalist essentials
Why It Stands Out: This sustainability-focused label creates elegant basics from natural fibers. Although the original brand paused in 2020, the new studio relaunch continues its legacy, making it a local fashion designer in Tennessee beloved for conscious fashion.

9. Truly Alvarenga (T. Alvarenga)

Based In: Chattanooga, TN
Style: Conceptual fashion, unisex tailoring
Why She Stands Out: Truly is known for fashion-forward silhouettes and gallery-style collections. As one of the top emerging designers in Tennessee, her work bridges art and apparel.

10. Fashion Department at O’More College of Design (now part of Belmont University)

Location: Nashville, TN
Why It Matters: The fashion program here has trained many local fashion designers in Tennessee, acting as a springboard for independent and boutique label founders.

Why Tennessee Is Becoming a Southern Fashion Powerhouse

Nashville Fashion Week & Local Events: Offer platforms for new and established designers
Music Industry Influence: Designers collaborate with artists for stage and red carpet looks
Sustainable & Slow Fashion: Tennessee is home to several eco-conscious labels
Affordable Living, Creative Freedom: Designers grow organically without NYC/LA overhead
Cultural Crossroads: The blend of tradition and innovation creates unique aesthetics

FAQs About Fashion Designers in Tennessee

Q1. Who are the most famous fashion designers from Tennessee?
Manuel Cuevas is the most iconic, but designers like Eric Adler, Amanda Valentine, and Olia Zavozina also have national recognition.

Q2. Is Nashville the fashion hub of Tennessee?
Yes. With events like Nashville Fashion Week and a strong celebrity presence, Nashville is the state’s most fashion-forward city.

Q3. Are there sustainable fashion designers in Tennessee?
Absolutely. Elizabeth Suzann Studio and Truly Alvarenga are excellent examples of independent fashion designers in Tennessee focused on ethics and sustainability.

Q4. How can I find local designers in Tennessee?
Shop directly via Instagram, visit local markets like Porter Flea (Nashville), or check out boutiques that carry local and emerging designers in Tennessee.

Conclusion: Tennessee’s Fashion Scene Is in Full Bloom

Whether you love Southern glam, slow fashion, or runway drama, the fashion designers in Tennessee are delivering bold ideas and timeless craft. From bespoke suits to conceptual unisex wear, Tennessee proves that fashion and authenticity can thrive anywhere.

Support local creators. Dress with intention. Celebrate Tennessee style.