The Chattanooga Fashion Expo is a regional platform built
specifically to launch emerging and established creatives.
In 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Shanna Forrestall relocated to Chattanooga, TN
and was impressed by the level of creativity and potential she saw in the region. As an experienced producer and event planner, Shanna is passionate about providing career building opportunities for creative artists of all types.
She established a brand and built an event from the ground up. With just a handful of volunteers, a local non-profit partner and limited financial support, the team worked tirelessly for over 5 months to launch Chattanooga Fashion Expo in 2021.
The 3-day inaugural event was a success and drew emerging and established professionals from Chattanooga, Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, New Orleans, LA and
other key cities.
CFE 2022 and 2023 were successful multi-day events that included a slate of high quality events that included multiple runway shows, a diverse educational program, networking and much more.
We are currently undergoing a significant change in format, so stay connected to see what’s next!
“After working with Tracee Dundas of New Orleans Fashion Week for years, I have seen first-hand the power of the industry to provide
quality employment opportunities for models, designers, hair and makeup professionals and creatives of all types, and I wanted to
build a catalyst that continually provided our regional artists with more of those opportunities.”
- Shanna Forrestall
Shanna’s passion from the beginning has been to create a truly diverse and inclusive environment and runway. Her goal was to create a supportive platform for local designers, models, hair and makeup artists. Each year, creatives of all types gather to learn, network, showcase, compete and to find mentorship, employment, brand building and sales opportunities.
We hope that you’ll become a part of our Family of Fashionistas. Whether you’re here to learn, network, launch or simply to shop… Welcome! We’re glad you stopped by. Be sure to connect in every way that works for you.