Atlanta Fashion Week 2025: Celebrating Bold Designers and Cultural Influence

A Southern Swagger Takes Center Stage

Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) 2025 recently showcased four dynamic days celebrating the city’s rich tapestry of style, sound, and Southern swagger. Hosted at the vibrant Atlantic Station, ATLFW transformed the bustling space into a living runway, bursting with shows, pop-up shops, and brand activations that highlighted Atlanta's ascension as a global fashion powerhouse.

The event couldn’t have taken place without a diverse array of talented local designers and creatives who poured their heart into the fashion scene. One shining example is Chance Sanderlin, a 20-year-old junior at Clark Atlanta University, who was tasked with designing a collection for Adidas’s ATLFW capsule. With his youthful energy and keen business insight, Sanderlin brought fresh streetwear sensibility to the runway, embodying the very pulse of Atlanta's unique style philosophy.

The Thriving Atlanta Culture

“Being able to put my own input into the clothes was huge,” Sanderlin expressed, reflecting on the collaborative process that featured trial and error, yet resulted in stunning designs. His commitment to creating something exceptional began at an early age, when he founded his brand, Overrated Cultuur, at just 12 years old. “Everybody in Atlanta has their own way of being,” he acknowledged, emphasizing how the city’s style scene continuously inspires and fuels his creativity. Watching his designs hit the runway, he said, “I felt grateful that something I created is out there being worn.”

A Platform for Emerging Creators

ATLFW has proven to be an essential platform for the city’s emerging makers, allowing their voices and talents to shine. Robert Ware, founder of the streetwear brand Faith+Figures, highlighted the significance of ATLFW by stating, “We do a lot of streetwear events but nothing like Fashion Week. Atlanta culture is second to none.” Ware’s words echoed the sentiment shared by many other designers, all united by the understanding that support for Black brands and community is integral to the city’s fashion identity.

For Nashon Lee, whose menswear line Nohsan made its ATLFW debut, attending other major fashion weeks made him appreciate Atlanta’s unique cultural amalgamation. “Atlanta takes the cake. People here actually participate and enjoy the company of up-and-coming brands and artists,” he noted, showcasing the collaborative spirit that fuels the local fashion ecosystem.

An Emotional Homecoming

The festival also felt like a homecoming for many as illustrated by Bria Bryant, the founder of Leier Fragrances, who debuted her collection inspired by vintage scents. “Atlanta drives culture and fashion is culture,” she affirmed, establishing a profound connection to her roots and the influential environment shaping her creative vision.

Redefining the Atlanta Lens

Designer Jai Lyle made waves with his inaugural runway show during ATLFW. Describing the experience as both validation and vision, Lyle is committed to merging Atlanta’s local culture with international appeal. He is on a mission to redefine global perceptions of the city’s fashion through individuality and authenticity: “We want to elevate the taste level of who the world thinks Atlanta is,” he stated.

A New Wave of Interactivity

A standout highlight of this year’s ATLFW was the interactive Adidas Originals pop-up, where attendees had a chance to design their custom T-shirts, further enhancing their engagement with fashion. This hands-on experience resonated with many attendees, showing that Atlanta’s fashion scene is not just about observing but also participating – transforming passive attendees into active creators.

Atlanta's Fashion Evolution

As ATLFW concluded, it was clear that the event has evolved tremendously since its inception. Carlea Woods, a culture and style editor, shared her insights on the festival’s growth, stating, “Angela keeps finding new ways to put Atlanta on the map and support local designers.” Angela Watts, the mastermind behind ATLFW, is already looking forward to the 2026 edition, confirming the festival's growing momentum.

“Atlanta has the energy, the brands, everything it needs,” Watts proclaimed, reflecting on the progress and achievements made within the local fashion ecosystem. As ATLFW continues to carve out a distinct niche in the world of fashion, it epitomizes the creative potential of a city that thrives on innovation, diversity, and community support. Watch closely as Atlanta’s fashion narrative unfolds—there's more to come!