“It makes it a full moment where everyone is in one location, but you have so many different things in places you can go [to] on-site,” she said.
This year’s string of events will center around the theme “Creating Space.” According to a press release from ATLFW, the focus will be to redefine “what’s possible — not just on the runway, but in the culture at large.”
The first iteration of what became ATLFW, kicked off in 2006 with a series of unrelated programming dedicated to a myriad regional and international designers, but the movement really came to head in 2014 as it materialized into a week of events.
Developed by Watts-led production agency Ragtrade Atlanta, the event aims to be a “launchpad for fashion disrupters — visionaries who challenge convention, rewrite the rules, and lead the industry into uncharted territory,” she said.
Previously undiscovered designers have gained media coverage, direct-to-consumer sales, assistance with production costs and business support after participating in ATLFW.
“We do have a lot of emerging talent, and it is definitely community-driven innovation with our events,” Watts said.
BMW has renewed a 2-year sponsorship contract with the event as an investment to illustrate fashion as a form of art.
Bloomingdale’s is also back with a partnership to help boost the accessibility of emerging designers with the ATLFW and Bloomingdale’s incubator program.
“It is definitely our mission to support fashion-design talent through economic opportunities,” Watts said. “That all comes into conclusion with our brand partnerships, our retail incubators and all the community that we create.”
To be part of the incubator program at Bloomingdale’s, designers must apply online, share their fashion portfolio and indicate how many collections their brands may have. Designers must also show consistency for when their collections are released, where their brands can be purchased, and how the brands are marketed across social media.
Judges rank the designers’ brands on a 1-10 scale, and the top three are chosen to go on a seasonal display in the showroom at Bloomingdale’s in Lenox Square. Immediately, those brands are available to the public for purchase.
After the season is over, another round of designers is chosen for the showroom.
Credit: Courtesy of Angela Watts
Brands on display at Bloomingdale’s for summer 2025 are part of the Summer Solstice collection, which includes sunglasses line Tribal ëyës and Turks and Caicos-inspired swimwear Bēchë. Skincare brand R&R will complete the collection in July.
Watts said the program is especially beneficial for Black designers who may not always get spotlighted in fashion shows that take place in other cities.
“It’s a major opportunity to scale your business because, when you think about it, most designers don’t get that opportunity to go into a big-box retailer so quickly,” Watts said, noting the city gives designers of color the opportunity to really show their spark and originality.
“It makes me very happy to be a part of that journey with them.”
ATLFW will kick off on the first Thursday in October with an invite-only shopping experience at Bloomingdale’s. Women’s fashion shows will take the helm Friday, and Saturday will be menswear. On Sunday, there’s a public-shopping excursion at Bloomingdale’s to conclude the multiple-day event.
Credit: Courtesy of Atlantic Station
Ahead of ATLFW, Watts is unsure of what styles will be in trend just yet, but she said she is excited to see the return of denim and more oversize pieces in contrast to more formfitting and see-through styles that have been popular. She said that fashion has become more diverse.
She also took note of Atlanta’s unique play on fashion with bold prints and vintage-inspired looks.
“We like to play with different colors,” she said. “Atlanta is definitely on track to be the next big city when it comes to fashion. That is my goal.”
About the Author
Brooke Leigh Howard is a reporter for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Black culture team, UATL.
