Maestro Adler

Maestro is the Spanish word for teacher and as some of you may know I have taken a regular teaching job with an organization called Sew For Hope. Sew For Hope is an altruistic and benevolent organization that takes in refugees from all parts of the world (Asia, Africa, the Middle East, etc.) with a moderate understanding of English and teaches them sewing skills. The hope is that these men and (mostly) women will be able to get jobs or earn higher wages in the Nashville community.

I first heard of Sew For Hope from my friend Charmaine, an intern that I had previously done while at Manuel. She gave me the number of Rita Atkins, director of the operation, and I sent her a message expressing interest in volunteering. Rita responded saying that she would thrilled to have me teach a men’s shirt-making class. I felt something drawing me to this organization for several reasons:

1. There is a serious lack of skilled workers in the Nashville “industry” and all parties involved can benefit from technical education.

2. I have been in a foreign country without a job and struggling with the language and wanted to provide some sort of aid to those in my situation.

3.  Most important, I realize that my life has been blessed and I want to give back that which has been so generously given to me.

Here is one of my students, Kham, taking some notes while he prepares to sew his tailored shirt.

I began my first-semester teaching advanced men’s tailored shirt-making in the fall of 2014. Advanced simply means that the students sew using industrial machines. I had 4 students, 3 women, and 1 man. Nuam & Kham (Husband and Wife) Omaima and Chandra. The class was 12 weeks on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30. I introduced the course with several classes on pattern drafting of the shirt. Being this was my first time teaching and the students' first time using industrial sewing machines, we quickly got behind. However, perseverance and a little help from their teacher allowed them all to graduate with handmade, tailored dress shirts.

My second semester began in the winter and was equally delightful. This time there were 4 Burmese women: Huai, Kang, Lun, and Dim. Except Huai, their English was poor but all seemed to be friends. Thanks to Huai and her high understanding of the English language, I was able to establish a connection with these women. Even beginning with very advanced skills, I noticed an improvement in each one of the ladies. Huai was so good that I offered her a job working for me making shirts.  When students find good, paying jobs in the United States it is a beautiful thing. If my students finish their shirts within 12 weeks, they graduate and receive a certificate of achievement, among other goodies. We then broke for the summer scheduled to resume in August.

Here I'm pictured with some of my students at the Spring 2015 Graduation

Today was the first day of my third semester, Fall 2015. Although only half the class was able to come, I can see that this will be an awesome group. One student, Vum, a young Burmese woman told me that she wanted to be a designer and had been taking some sewing instruction from another local designer, Denise Roxenhamm. Exciting! My other student, Rose, an African woman told me that she can't remember how long she had been sewing because she had been doing it for so long and that she loves to make skirts and blouses! This semester will be 16 weeks and follows the fall semester of the Metro Nashville Public School District.

If you’re feeling called to volunteer, would like to donate $ to the cause, or find out more about this powerfully helpful organization, please visit their website at sewforhope.org. They depend on monetary donations to survive. Sew For Hope is located in Antioch, TN at 4890 Nolensville Rd, Nashville, TN 37211 in the back of the Thriftsmart. It’s a small but scrappy organization that gives a sense of empowerment to men and women that they have possibly never felt in their lives. Finally, one of the coolest things that this organization does is donate a home sewing machine to each student upon graduation!

P.S. There is a nice view of the Nashville skyline from the parking lot.

Photoshoot At The Standard

I canceled my plans tonight. Had some dinner. Just sitting down to relax after work. I wanted to share a memorable moment in my life that I experienced not too long ago.  It started with a conversation at a party.  Paul Zhen, a local photographer, approached me with his happy eyes and a polite southern handshake and asked if I would be interested in working together. Of course, I agreed.

I got the inspiration for this photoshoot at Manuel's 81st birthday celebration in the stage area at the back. A red carpet entrance led you to the festivities. chandeliers and gigantic mirrors. lavish upholstery, exclusive club seating upstairs. The party was a blast. Very Hot. People were dancing and sweating!  Lots of nice people and colorful clothes, mostly pieces that Manuel had made himself.  The man is inspiring. The next thing I am thinking is what a classy joint this is. This is where the wave is. "This is a scene from the gentlemen's  club of permanent fashion."

The next stitch sewn came about when I met with Josh, the owner of the Standard, for a drink and a discussion of men's fashion, Nashville style, and personal taste.  We discussed the possibility of getting some shots made for promotional purposes. The seed had been sewn.

We met on a Wednesday morning in the heat of the summer with some smokin' hot models male AND female. The first scene we shot upstairs in the executive office.  I was most pleased with this setting. We tested out several other spots and found the swankiest area was the downstairs bar (also pictured).  My models looked very dope and dapper. Really what Eric Adler is as a brand: debonair meets streetwear.

Overall, it was a fun creative experience. I linked up with some new people. We had good company, good clothes, and good times.  Shot a lot of quality shots. Impeccable quality location.  The Standard at the Smith House. Fine dining to the max. We posted up in several locations. The bar downstairs, the office on the top floor, and the extremely cozy cigar bar. My favorite shot from the shoot.

As always I have to thank the people that make things happen. I’ve already paid homage to Manuel, so next in line is the photographer, Paul Zhen. You can see what kind of quality standards he upholds. He approached me at Nashville Fashion Week interested in doing a shoot. I was thrilled to find out that this was his first time shooting male subjects. Viva men’s fashion!  Needless to say, I had a lovely time working with him, and thanks for making it happen.  Thanks to Tray Simmons and his people at Bravo Modeling Agency and Rachael Sue for keeping my head on straight.  Thanks also to Josh from the Standard for letting us take over his swanky establishment.

Until next time, PEACE and LOVE.

Fall Collection 2014

Created for our participation in Nashville Fashion Week 2014 and Fashion Week Alabama 2014, our fall collection includes a variety of options from trench/overcoats to red carpet-ready looks.  A few picks from the full fall line.

Black & Gold Leopard Silk Blazer, Jet Button Down and Silk Trousers

American Red and White Stripe Button Down, Jet Eric Adler Denim

Vintage Raspberry Floral Neck Tie, Eric Adler Rose/Creme Pinstripe Oxford

Floral Scroll Peacoat, Black Stripe Button Down, Slate Wool Trousers

Nashville Fashion Week 2014

When you reach the highest high, you must come down to an equally low low to return  to equilibrium. That's how I feel about Nashville Fashion Week 2014. Participating as one of the select designers for the fashion week in my city was such a rush that lasted all week long; Monday to Saturday! But as all wonderful things come to an end, the following Monday and the remainder of the week were like a hangover or some addiction withdrawal. I am writing this on Wed the 16th and I am finally recovering fully from the delightful madness. Just so I know I'm normal I shared these feelings with my good friend Denise Roxenstone, a Swedish designer who presented on Saturday night, and she shared similar sentiments.

The first night of Fashion Week was held at the Zeitgeist Gallery by Fashion Happening Nashville. I went with my girlfriend and connected with Andrew of Any Old Iron Boutique, Julia Clancy, who showed up Saturday night, Kimberly of Sisters of Nature, Sarah of Denim & Spirits, and many others. Thank God for this intimate setting for networking opportunities! Being the first night of the week I was full of excitement and energy, so Hunter Claire of Rouge Rogue Blog did a quick interview and then we got out of there as they were closing down the party. 

Tuesday began the first official night of NFW 2014. It was held at a gorgeous location, Rosewall, an event space connected to a relatively new restaurant in the Gulch Saint Añejo.  Manuel and I had discussed putting on a show there several months before when it was incomplete, but they beat us to it.  The runways were nice and I enjoyed Black by Maria Silver and Pink Elephants showings. The after party was at the always swanky club Citizen where we witnessed a couple getting kicked out for pouring airplane bottle shots into their drinks!

Wednesday was my night, the emerging designer showcase.  All day long I was in and out of the small venue Ruby, across from Vanderbilt, doing fittings, steaming clothes, doing interviews, practicing with models, checking music, styling hair and outfits, etc, etc...Several of my friends were able to get tickets before the show SOLD OUT so that was nice. My parents and my mentor, Manuel also attended as supporters.  When the time came for my models to walk I heard a gasp of awe from the crowd which was followed by cheers for the remaining 4 models. When I walked out I raised my hands the audience started screaming!  What an amazing feeling to walk and feel the LOVE and shake the hand of the man to whom I owe my whole career, Manuel Cuevas. I really feel that I had a very unique collection of pieces from the other designers and it was a mixture of some things I showed in Fashion Week Alabama and some new pieces I whipped up in the month following FWA.  A "Best Of" if you will for my Fall 2014 collection.  Also noteworthy: Fern Mallis, the creator of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week complimented me on a "fantastic collection" and gave me a shoutout on her Instagram later that night!

Thursday was also a fun-filled action! Manuel hosted his event "Manuel's Top Picks" at his studio on Broadway and he invited Jonathon Kayne, Betty Malo, Carlos Bonola, Nina D, and me to show 3 looks in a meet-and-greet style fashion show. It was such an honor to receive an achievement award from such a leader in the Nashville industry.  I was awarded and did a live radio interview that night at the show.

By Friday I was running out of gas. My shows were over and I wanted a break, although there was a nice show outside on 5th Ave N in the Art District of Downtown that featured a longgggg catwalk.  This was probably my favorite show because the models were allowed to walk sexy, bounce to the music, and really make the clothing look good. The weather was a bust.

Saturday was such a good showing! My friend Denise Roxenstone who was accepted 2 weeks before her show and frantically created 16 amazing looks put on a great show. I also enjoyed Jonathan Kayne's razzle and dazzle red carpet dresses. It was altogether a fun night especially because my girlfriend and I finally got to celebrate with my friends, whom we met at the Tippler after the Marathon Music Works show and after party. I wore my favorite jacket from the collection and a brand new custom bolo tie that Paco Despacio, an old hippie button maker from Oregon made me. We met lots of new friends, took fun pictures, and drank some Jack Daniels. Overall the week was a success!

I am glad to finally have connected with Tray Simmons of Bravo Modeling Agency as well as all of the others Eric Adler connected with. I must thank Rachael Moore for being a huge support all week long with her presence as well as my other Rachael, "my work wife" who is such a badass in so many ways.  Connie Chornuk, my talented photographer for getting there early and getting a great spot in the pit.  Thank you Alex Adler for your many helping hands and finally, my great friend Manuel. I think it's always important to count our blessings and be thankful for those who play a part in what we dream up. I remember in 2013, I attended my first NFW event; it was a show on the top floor of the the Pinnacle building. I sat down next to my new friend Phillip Madison, an emerging designer that year, and told him that I was going to be here next year.  What a blessing it was to have my dream made into reality!

Nashville Scene Coverage

This morning I picked up a copy of the Nashville Scene from Manuel, where I am working as a tailor 9-5.  I take a look at the cover image and my pupils dilate to the image of the beautiful Camille Birkhead swirling an elegant scarf and dress in a twirl. I read that there is coverage of the upcoming Nashville Fashion Week and immediately turned to the section. I flip through page by page, looking for at the beautiful spreads of outfits, hoping to see something good.  To my big surprise, I turn the last page and see Camille decked head to toe in Eric Adler! What a rush.

I had been anxiously awaiting the publication because I had been working with Milton White, the creative director of the shoot and he told me the week prior that there were seven designers and only five would be features. I was so nervous, but what a rush it was to see my work featured among other amazing designers.

I was very happy to get this press especially because it shows that this jacket, at least is versatile across gender and season. I create menswear but this was modeled as a girlfriend look. I made this jacket for my fall collection but since it's a corduroy floral, it also works for spring!  This look features a thin lapel corduroy floral/jet dinner jacket. The model is also wearing the Eric Adler peach pinstripe oxford and salt and pepper tweed jeans. What a great honor to be published among the best in the premiere "happening" magazine of Nashville! ENJOY