Atlanta’s Bold Fashion Statement
Published August 29, 2024
Last Updated October 17, 2024
Atlanta has long been recognized for its significant contributions to music, film and the arts. The A has been making waves in the fashion industry, establishing itself as a burgeoning hub of style and innovation.
The rise of fashion in Atlanta is attributed to several key factors including cultural diversity, the music and entertainment industry, and opportunity. Designers and brands in the city draw inspiration from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, resulting in a unique blend of styles that is distinctly Atlantan.
Music and Film Industry Shaping ATL’s Fashion
The music and entertainment industry, particularly in hip-hop and R&B, play a crucial role in shaping the Atlanta fashion scene. Atlanta is the capital of hip-hop and home to artists like Andre 3000, Ludacris, T.I., Big Boi, CeeLo Green, Killer Mike and Lil Jon. Their influence does not go unnoticed in the fashion industry. Artists have not only influenced music but have also become fashion trendsetters of unique and expressive styles.
Rooted in urban street style, elements from sportswear and other resources, street fashion emerged from the early hip-hop scene. Oversized shirts, track suits and sneakers have become signature looks in fashion via the influence of hip-hop culture.
Shop hip-hop inspired fashion and other merch in Atlanta.
Incubators of the future
A new generation of talented designers is nurtured in Atlanta’s backyard at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) where students from all over the world use the city as their muse.
The supportive environment for creatives in Atlanta has been the magnet for designers and fashion entrepreneurs from all over the world to make the city their base and incubator of world-changing ideas.
Meet some of Atlanta’s very own designers.
Fashion Shows and Events
Fashion Events happen year-round in the city, but here are two that you don’t want to miss:
RAGTRADE ATLANTA is a creative and event production agency for Atlanta’s fashion ecosystem, helping put together events such as Atlanta Fashion Week, which will take place Oct. 2–7 across the city. The five-day event showcases the latest fashion trends and innovations and features art, music and culture.
Atlanta International Fashion Show is also a must for those looking for inspiration and the latest trends. Thousands, including celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, Dwight Howard, Floyd Mayweather and some of America’s Next Top Models have been seen in attendance in past years. Featuring more than 500 designers, the annual event takes place Sept. 24-29 across the city.
The Atlanta Fashion Event is coming to Atlanta for the second year in a row this fall. Organized by Atlanta’s designer and CEO of Vána, Aldismary Rivera, the fashion event aims to showcase the work of Latin-owned and Latin-inspired designers in the city. The location will be announced through The Atlanta Fashion Event’s social media.
There is no better way to celebrate the latest trends in the industry, than at one of Atlanta’s epicenters of fashion, Phipps Plaza. For the second year in a row in Aug. 25, FASHION STATEMENT unites fantastic fashion with impactful philanthropy kicking off with private in-store shopping experiences throughout the Luxury Retailer floor.
If street fashion is in your mind, FashionFest will leave you inspired. The 3-day event on Oct. 11-13 at Georgia World Congress Center premieres business and fashion experience for consumers, retailers, brand owners, apparel manufacturers and fashion enthusiasts for the urban and pop-culture apparel community.
A beautiful way to experience fashion is when it collides with performing arts for a good cause. Atlanta Ballet’s 26th Annual Corps de Ballet Fashion Show & Luncheon takes place Sept. 30 at The St. Regis Atlanta. Presented by Neiman Marcus, the Luncheon features The Art of Fashion® Fall Runway 2024 with an exclusive performance from Atlanta Ballet 2.
Year-round, SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion & Film hosts events and exhibits featuring designers from all over the world, such as Carolina Herrera, Cristobal Balenciaga, Jean Paul Gaultier and more. Check out our calendar of events for the latest happenings.
Find and Shop Your Style in Atlanta
Proud of its unique flair and electric style, Atlanta offers an array of options to find your Atlanta-inspired style that is true to who you are. Year-round, find a great place to shop for unique and stylish pieces that reflect the flavor of Atlanta across its neighborhoods.
Little Five Points
Often compared to New York’s Greenwich Village and San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury due to its alternative, counterculture vibe, L5P is home to a diverse array of stores, catering to various tastes and interests. The energetic neighborhood’s colorful murals and quirky storefronts create a lively and welcoming atmosphere where shopping is a fun adventure. Make a stop at Wish ATL, a boutique inspired by Atlanta’s culture with a curated selection of street wear, sneakers and contemporary fashion.
Buckhead
With a variety of locally owned boutiques and global brand stores, Buckhead is a must-stop for fashionistas. Make a trip to Phipps Plaza to shop the latest in luxury brands, such as Dior, Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga, Valentino, Versace and many more. Just across the street, Lenox Square boasts Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s, and features nearly 250 specialty stores.
Midtown
When in the neighborhood, Ponce City Market is a stop, not only for great food, but also for fun shopping. The bustling destination features a variety of boutiques offering global brands and locally designed fashion.
Across the City
With pop-ups across the city, Atlanta Streetwear Market is a haven for street wear enthusiasts, showcasing local brands and designers. It offers a unique shopping experience where you can find exclusive drops and limited-edition pieces. Visit atlantastreetwearmarket.com to see where to find it next.
Interested in vintage fashion and thrifting? “Atlanta’s thrift scene is off the chain,” so check out our guide to the best finds in the city.
Born and raised in Mexico, Daniela is a bilingual journalist living in Atlanta. She is passionate about telling stories that highlight the diversity and the blooming gastronomic scene in Atlanta.
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