|
Listen to Article + Become a member for exclusives 👍🏽
 |
Heads up fashion world… as André 3000 famously quoted, “Atlanta got something to say.”
In the U.S., New York and L.A. are at the top of the list of fashion weeks. However, Atlanta, a new kid on the block, and honestly, rarely included in the fashion conversation, is making a name for itself and based on the back-to-back success of their first and second annual fashion week installments, it’s only the beginning.
Produced by Ragtrade Atlanta under the leadership of Angela Watts, Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) was created to highlight and showcase not only designers on an international level but local names in the Atlanta area and from start to finish, ATLFW did not disappoint.
The inaugural start of the city’s first official fashion week was originally scheduled for August 2020 but was postponed due to COVID-19.
In October 2021, ATLFW launched to the public and undeniably left a statement in the city while stirring a buzz in Atlanta’s fashion community and sending shockwaves throughout the country.
Since then, ATLFW has continued to be the “intersection of fashion and culture” and on October 11, 2022, the event returned for the second time in partnership with none other than, Microsoft and a turnout that was bigger than the last.
Let the show begin…
At the start of the festivities, the space was filled with people from in and out of the Atlanta area including actresses Keshia Knight Pulliam, Terry J. Vaughn, and Tami Roman. All gathered at the Atlanta monument and historic shopping and entertainment multiplex, Underground Atlanta where ATLFW was held.
Atlanta native Tracy Nicole was the first designer to start off the three-day series and presented us with a functional ready-to-wear collection that is transformative for any occasion.
Streetwear brand Urban Legend by Eduard followed after showcasing items from graphic hoodies to the crowd favorite, Superfly bomber jacket made out of vinyl fabric and adorned with stones and nail heads and ended with fashion designer Billy Jean’s Si Tu Veux Demin (famously worn by rappers Fivio Foreign and Gunna) showcase.
The sun set and rose to lead us to Day 2 of ATLFW which started off with the up-and-coming brand KERENCIA by Natasha Valencia who showcases vacation-ready looks.
David Tlale, brought the artistry in his latest collection called, Antics and the night ended with a showcase from Honor Roll, a notable unisex streetwear brand in Atlanta. A notable name seated in the front row for the show was singer and reality star, Trina Braxton.
The weekend ended with showcases from crowd favorites LXXV by Michael Toache, and womenswear brand ENNYLUAP and ended in color and jaw-dropping silhouettes from Project Runway’s Zayden Drape De Lux.
One thing to note about Atlanta Fashion Week is its emphasis on elevating and supporting Atlanta-based brands, sparking conversations, and cultivating networking opportunities.
Throughout the time of ATLFW, topics surrounding brand partnerships and how to evolve in the fashion world while living in Atlanta, etc. filled the room. There is a renaissance happening in Atlanta and the playground is full of opportunities,
“This year we wanted to go bigger and better with Atlanta Fashion Week and our 2022 partnerships helped us achieve this goal,” said Angela Watts, founder and creative director of ATLFW.
She added,
“Atlanta is ready to become a global player in the fashion industry and it is happening now.”
A few looks during ATLFW:
