Walking the Runway

A conversation with Mary Morgan Ketchel and Lisa Manning, co-chairs of Symphony Fashion Show

It is no secret that Nashville has caught the attention of major fashion houses. Each year, more designers are introduced to Nashville. One of the top fashion events of the year is Symphony Fashion Show. Each year, chairs of the event, presented by Gus Mayer, invite a top designer to visit Nashville to help raise funds for the Nashville Symphony and Accelerando — a music education program offering students of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to expand their music career.

This year, Symphony Fashion Show will host internationally celebrated designer Brandon Maxwell. His designs have been seen both on the runway and on the red carpet by A-list celebrities. Tailored and well-made, his looks deliver a modern elegance. He has also recently taken on a role as a judge on Bravo TV’s Project Runway

In addition to Brandon’s designs on the runway, the cochairs have also invited Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth to emcee the event. One of Broadway’s leading ladies, Kristin recently released her book, I’m No Philosopher, But I Got Thoughts, and will be signing copies at Parnassus Books prior to the show.

We sat down with co-chairs Mary Morgan Ketchel and Lisa Manning to talk about the event and what they are most excited about.

Lisa Manning lives in Nashville with her husband and two children. She served as the president of the board at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens from 2020–2022, during the pandemic — a challenging and rewarding experience. Lisa is presently on the board of the White House Historical Association and sits on the board of The Legion Fund, benefiting the families of 5th Group Soldiers. She has participated in the horticulture judging program for The Garden Club of America and is highly involved in various local gardening entities. In her spare time, Lisa can be found in the gardens digging in the dirt, attempting to propagate something odd, or tending to her bees.

Mary Morgan Ketchel, a Nashville native, is an alumna of the Harpeth Hall School and University of Mississippi. She is a community volunteer with a background in political fundraising and event management. Mary Morgan started her career in the Washington D.C. office of U.S. Senator Bill Frist — where she also met her husband of 21 years, Paul. They live in Nashville with their two children, Jack and Chase.

What can guests expect from this year’s Symphony Fashion Show?

Symphony Fashion Show is curated by teams of co-chairs and event designers to create one of the most anticipated annual events, full of glamour and entertainment. Guests of the 2023 Symphony Fashion Show will experience our vision of a fabulous New York City night in Nashville.

How did you come to choose Brandon Maxwell as the designer?

We wanted an innovative designer with timeless garments for the 2023 show to illustrate Nashville’s developing fashion scene. Through the leadership and expertise of Janice Elliott Morgan and Gus Mayer, we were led to Brandon’s team. Janice’s connections and expertise allow designers like Brandon Maxwell to stay interested in Nashville.

Do you have any tips for someone who’s never attended before?

Arrive on time! You don’t want to miss a minute. Ride-share if you can — we all know how downtown parking can be. When it comes to attire, we see it as an opportunity to dress your best, and maybe even outside of your comfort zone! The event is black tie, but we like to see fun colors, fabrics and patterns. It’s a fashion show; make it fun and fashionable!

What does the money raised go to support?

For the past 18 years, Symphony Fashion Show has provided funds and support for educational programs like the Nashville Symphony’s Accelerando initiative: Accelerando offers music education for young and gifted students of diverse backgrounds looking to pursue music in college and beyond.

Lisa, why do you support the Nashville Symphony?

A symphony enhances the quality of a city, and our world-class symphony accomplishes that especially well for Nashville. It brings additional meaning to “Music City!” From classical, pop and contemporary performances, to films set to live scores, to visiting artist collaborations — the Nashville Symphony’s year-round programming has something for everyone.

Mary Morgan, what is your favorite memory from Symphony Fashion Show, and what are you most looking forward to this year?

I remember the first time I entered the courtyard to a sea of fabulous dresses. It was so much fun to pose for pictures with friends and to toast champagne as the crowd moved into Laura Turner Hall for the fashion show. The energy was electric, as it always is on this very special night! I am most looking forward to the moment the first model hits the runway. It’s such a thrill to experience a fashion show of this caliber, and I can’t wait to see Brandon step out at the end of the show as the audience applauds his incredible talent and fabulous fall designs.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND