Meet Sandra Lipman: a longtime Nashville resident, philanthropist, and driving force behind the Symphony Fashion Show’s 20-year success. Known for her impeccable style and unwavering commitment to the arts, Sandra has helped shape one of the city’s most glamorous and impactful events. We chatted with Sandra about the Symphony Fashion Show’s upcoming anniversary, her grandsons, and more!
Tell us about growing up here in Nashville.
I am not a native Nashvillian, although I suppose I’ve lived here long enough to qualify as one. My sister and I were born in Europe to European parents, and my younger brother was born here. We are an international family. My husband is a native Nashvillian.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Symphony Fashion Show. Looking back, what inspired you to help start this event two decades ago?
Actually, the fashion show started in 2000 as a luncheon and fashion show presented by the Symphony Guild and Gus Mayer. In 2006, it became an evening show including men and a seated dinner. By 2007, it moved to its new home, the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and has been there ever since.
Top-line Nashville entertainment was added, and that really made it a complete experience, marrying design and music on our symphony stage. It’s been my complete honor and pleasure to shepherd this event from its beginning as an evening show to its 20th anniversary.
The event has featured some huge names in fashion. What has it been like working with world-class designers?
Our show has a wonderful reputation amongst designers, and we are fortunate to attract them to our city. Our goal is to always bring the best to Nashville. Gus Mayer, our partner of 15 years, plays a key role in orchestrating this.
Janice Elliott Morgan, the designer buyer for Gus Mayer, the event co-chairs, and I make our wish list each year from the host of designers Gus Mayer represents. Janice and I send an invitation to them to showcase their gorgeous collection. We hold our breath until they say YES!
The event raises critical funds for the Nashville Symphony’s educational and community programs. Can you share more about the impact of this funding?
Our symphony plays a major role in our city’s strength, vitality, and overall fabric. Music City represents many types of music genres. Our Grammy Award-winning symphony orchestra offers incredible concerts, bringing us multiple types of music for the enjoyment and education of its guests.
A portion of the fashion show revenue is allocated to Accelerando, an intensive education program designed to prepare gifted young students of diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of music at collegiate levels and beyond.
You’ve been involved in the Nashville philanthropic community for years. What projects are you most proud of?
I am proud of every project I’ve worked on since my high school and college days. Volunteer work and giving back to the community have been a large part of my life for as long as I can remember. Making a difference is very impactful and meaningful to me.
I am proud to have worked on the fashion show for 20 years and watched it grow in popularity and revenue annually. We bring people together who may otherwise not attend a concert; community engagement and music education are a very powerful combination.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes details or special surprises that guests can look forward to at the 20th-anniversary show?
I can just assure you that you do not want to miss this show on April 29. We plan to bring our guests a spectacular, magical, and stunning evening with several surprises. My lips are sealed … please join us at the show!
If you could invite any designer, past or present, to the Symphony Fashion Show, who would it be?
Gosh, I love all of them. I would invite every past designer to join me on the front row to enjoy the 20th-anniversary show and reminisce about their fabulous year. We are incredibly excited and fortunate that Pamella Roland, who showed her collection at the first Symphony Fashion Show, is returning for the 20th anniversary. We have truly come full circle!
Beyond fashion and philanthropy, what are some of your favorite ways to spend your time in Nashville?
Nothing gives me more pleasure than spending quality time with family and friends. I adore my precious and athletic grandsons and attend as many of their games as possible. I am definitely their biggest cheerleader. I enjoy catching up with friends over a cup of coffee or glass of wine.
My husband and I love trying all of the new restaurants Nashville offers. Of course, I love fashion, pilates, ballet, music, photography, interior design, travel, entertaining, and trying to learn to relax. I plan to learn to play Mahjong, as I don’t play bridge. And a very boring fact: I love to polish silver. I’ll even clean yours for free!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take yourself too seriously, and always be kind.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
Lipstick, sunglasses, and heels!
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