Atlanta Fashion Week 2022
ATL has officially checked into the conversation, hosting their annual Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) in partnership with Microsoft. Kicking off Thursday afternoon, guests arrived at the historic Underground Atlanta for a day of style, panel discussions, cocktail experiences sponsored by Martell, socializing and more. Guests also received the official ATLFW 2022 tote sponsored by the Atlanta Hawks. The day launched with Decatur native designer, Tracy Nicole, attended by supporters such as Tami Roman, Terry J. Vaughn, Keshia Knight Pulliam and more.
Following the show, guests were able to head to Mike Stasny Gallery to hear a panel discussion on the “Power of Brand Partnerships” moderated by Felicia Loewy (CEO of Assembly Line), featuring Devon Carter of the Atlanta Hawks and Blair Caffey of Honor Roll Clothing. Leading into the next show, guests indulged in crafted cocktails at the Martell Fashionable Lounge while listening to music and mingling amongst one another.
The second show featured streetwear brand, Urban Legend from Las Vegas, NV. The diamond studded sweatsuits and cargo attire stunned the audience, including burgeoning rap star, Big Boss Vette. After the show wrapped, attendees joined Kwassi Byll of MODA404 and JR of Threadz Atlanta to discuss “The Evolution of Retail – Creating the Ideal Consumer Connection and Experience”. Guests then enjoyed libations at the Martell Fashionable Lounge as they geared up for the final show of the evening.
Closing out the first day of Atlanta Fashion Week was buzzing fashion designer, Billy Jean, with his Si Tu Veux F/W 2022 collection. Viewers were amazed at Billy’s craftsmanship in his custom leather pants, complex jackets, haute couture oversized denim handbag and more. Notable guests included celebrity stylists Sir Joe Exclusive and Middleman Fresh.
The night ended with a social mixer back at the Mike Stasny Gallery, where guests can rave over the day of fashion.
Leading into the weekend, Friday’s shows brought even more edge, beginning with a ready-to-wear showcase from KERENCIA by Natasha Valencia, a Venezuelan native designer. Guests including burgeoning artist and producer, Zaire Rouege, watched as the tropical themed custom garments walked the runway.
Following the show, attendees headed back to the Mike Stasny Gallery to listen to Darrell Booker with Microsoft and Tom Raab of Takedown to discuss the “Future of Fashion” alongside moderator Felcia Loewy. Both Darrell and Tom talked in depth about how technology is reshaping the fashion space and how people can join the movement.
When the afternoon arrived, guests were eager to make it back to the main stage to watch the next hot show, David Tlale. The South African native designer wowed the crowd offering a non-traditional fashion presentation where the models were intermixed and engaged in an art-gallery style presentation. David’s mission to challenge the clichés of the fashion industry were proven with this forward-thinking experience.
Next, the Mike Stasny Gallery hosted Atlanta’s own Jason Geter of AKOO, Strivers Row, and Vintage Heavy and Dennis Murphy, fashion and entertainment consultant joined Felicia Loewy and Anisa Brenee to discuss brands being made in Atlanta and navigating the fashion industry in this ever-growing city. Guests then enjoyed crafted libations at the Martell Fashionable Lounge, while awaiting the final show of the evening.
Wrapping the night, lifestyle brand Honor Roll, made it to the runway. The Black-owned brand showcased their unisex apparel with the thought to challenge the perspective of the Atlanta fashion culture. Reality star Trina Braxton and trending rap star Akeem Ali were spotted front row supporting the Atlanta made brand. Heading into the evening guests enjoyed a variety of after affairs including the Acupuncture and Chill set at Mike Stasny Gallery, as well as Phygital Fashion El Lewis of O.
Atlanta Fashion Week opened up the final day of this amazing weekend of fashion events with LXXV by Michael Toache. A luxury made to wear atelier and ready to wear brand, LXXV showcased beautiful craftsmanship with the thought of architecture in their design. Local entrepreneurs and tastemakers such as Kaegan Kunst of Ant/Dote, Antione Joyner of RGB Freight, Chris Peeples of Atlanta Streetwear Market, Alex Kinjo, owner of MF Sushi, and Artist Roger Carr were in attendance to view this high end show.
Atlanta based womenswear designer, ENNYLUAP, packed the house out showcasing their bold, timeless, ready-to-wear collection. Shortly after, Atlanta Fashion Week hosted their closing show, Zayden Drape De Lux, experimental designs by Project Runway star Zayden Skipper. The ready-to-wear garments strolled the exposed brick runway, fusing beautiful art-like designs with the natural grunge essence of the Underground Atlanta in an elegant way.
“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. “Atlanta is ready to become a global player in the fashion industry and it is happening now.”
Atlanta Fashion Week brought out an even greater crowd this year, with several memorable well-executed experiences, continuing to build a fashion name in the city of Atlanta. This year’s event could not have happened without partners: Microsoft, Atlanta Hawks, Martell, Underground Atlanta, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, Fulton County Arts and Culture, Snap 360, and Shelby School of Esthetics.