Red Carpet Royalty: Inside the Dazzling World of Carrie Underwood’s Designers—Nashville Fashion Week’s Most Unforgettable Night

NASHVILLE, TN — The stage is set. The lights are low. And on September 4th, the Museum will transform into a glittering runway of country music’s most iconic fashion moments. For one night only, fans and fashionistas alike will gather to celebrate Nashville Fashion Week with two of the industry’s most electrifying designers: Marina Toybina and Maria Poni Silver.

What’s at stake? Only the inside story of how these creative powerhouses helped shape the image of country’s brightest star—Carrie Underwood. From jaw-dropping awards show gowns to unforgettable stage wear, Toybina and Silver have dressed Underwood through triumph, heartbreak, and history-making performances. Now, for the first time, they’ll reveal the secrets, struggles, and surprises behind the seams in a special panel hosted by the Museum’s own Angela Stefano Zimmer.

A Gown That Changed Everything

It was November 2015, and the world was watching. Carrie Underwood took the stage at the American Music Awards to perform her emotional hit “Heartbeat.” But it wasn’t just her soaring vocals that left audiences breathless—it was the gown. Scarlet red, impossibly elegant, and swirling with movement, the dress was a showstopper in every sense.

The woman behind the masterpiece? Marina Toybina, four-time Emmy-winning costume designer whose resume reads like a who’s-who of pop and country royalty. In a rare behind-the-scenes sketch (Image 1), Toybina’s vision leaps off the page: bold, romantic, and unapologetically dramatic. The dress itself (Image 2), as captured by Jeff Kravitz, became an instant icon—revered by critics, coveted by fans, and immortalized in music history.

But as Toybina will reveal at the panel, the story wasn’t all glitz and glamour. “We had just days to pull it together,” she confides. “Carrie wanted something that felt powerful but vulnerable—something that would move with her, literally and emotionally. There were moments I thought, ‘Can we really do this?’ But that’s the magic of live music and fashion. You take the risk. And when she walked out, the world stopped.”

From the Studio to the Stadium: Poni Silver’s Rock & Roll Revolution

If Toybina is the queen of couture, Maria Poni Silver is the renegade of rock. Known for her bold, boundary-pushing stage wear, Silver has outfitted everyone from indie legends to country superstars. But it’s her collaboration with Carrie Underwood that has truly set the industry ablaze.

In a rare process photo (Image 3), Silver’s work comes to life: intricate fabrics, custom embellishments, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The result? A look that Underwood debuted during a surprise appearance at a Guns N’ Roses concert (Image 4, photo by Jeff Johnson)—a moment that set social media on fire and left fans begging for more.

Silver doesn’t hold back. “Carrie isn’t afraid to take risks,” she says. “She’s not just a country singer—she’s a force of nature. When we designed that piece, we wanted to capture her edge, her fearlessness. It wasn’t about fitting in. It was about standing out.”

An Industry Shaken, a City Inspired

Behind every dazzling look lies a story of struggle and triumph. Both Toybina and Silver have faced impossible deadlines, creative clashes, and the pressure of dressing a superstar whose every move is scrutinized by millions. But through it all, they’ve remained united by a single mission: to help Carrie Underwood—and every woman—feel powerful, beautiful, and unstoppable.

“Fashion is more than fabric,” Toybina insists. “It’s armor. It’s storytelling. When Carrie steps on stage, she’s not just performing—she’s living her truth. Our job is to help her tell that story, no matter what it takes.”

Silver agrees. “There are nights you’re sewing until sunrise, nights you cry in the bathroom because something ripped or a zipper broke. But then you see her on stage, and it’s all worth it. You realize you’re part of something bigger—a movement, a moment, a memory that will last forever.”

The Panel: Stories, Secrets, and Shocking Revelations

Moderated by Angela Stefano Zimmer, the September 4th panel promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Attendees will hear untold stories of backstage chaos, last-minute miracles, and the creative genius that goes into every stitch. Expect laughter, tears, and maybe even a few bombshell confessions.

Will Toybina reveal the real inspiration behind the “Heartbeat” gown? Will Silver spill the details of that Guns N’ Roses collab? And what does Carrie Underwood herself think of the women who dress her for greatness?

One thing is certain: Nashville has never seen a night like this.

A Legacy of Empowerment

As the fashion industry grapples with issues of representation, sustainability, and authenticity, Toybina and Silver stand as beacons of hope. Both women have shattered glass ceilings, championed diversity, and inspired a new generation of designers to dream big.

“Every girl in this city should know she belongs in this world,” Silver says. “No matter where you come from, your story matters. Your voice matters. And yes, your style matters.”

Toybina nods. “We’re just getting started. The future of Nashville fashion is bright—and it’s female.”

A Night to Remember, a City Forever Changed

As Nashville Fashion Week approaches, the excitement is palpable. Tickets are selling fast, and the buzz is deafening. For one magical evening, the Museum will become a sanctuary of creativity, courage, and community—a place where dreams are stitched into reality, and legends are born.

So mark your calendars. On September 4th, join Marina Toybina, Maria Poni Silver, and host Angela Stefano Zimmer for an unforgettable night of fashion, music, and inspiration. See the sketches, the gowns, the process—and the passion that turned Carrie Underwood into a style icon.

Because in Nashville, we don’t just watch history. We wear it.