ATLFW reflects the diverse culture and creativity that defines contemporary Atlanta fashion. The show will focus on the concept of “Rebirth,” drawing inspiration from Atlanta’s historical “rising of the phoenix,” while also foreshadowing the rebirth and continued growth happening at Underground Atlanta and throughout downtown. To fully represent Atlanta’s diverse elements of culture and fashion, the event is open to applicants who will be evaluated to see if they harness the drive of “a maker,” a quality design portfolio, originality, and appreciation of current fashion trends.
“Concepts like ATLFW are essential to honoring the history of Underground Atlanta as the city’s longtime center for culture, art and entertainment as we continue our revitalization efforts with larger activations,” said Shaneel Lalani, CEO of Lalani Ventures. “We are passionate about supporting artistic ventures like ATLFW with a goal of bringing art and artists back to the community as we bring new life and business back to Downtown.”
“We are excited to partner with Underground Atlanta to host the 2022 edition of ATLFW,” said Angela Watts, founder of RAGTRADE ATLANTA, official producers of ATLFW. “Atlanta’s influence can be felt throughout many disciplines such as music, film and television. Now is the time to position our city as a global destination in fashion and art. Underground Atlanta is the perfect location to start this journey.”
ATLFW will transform the district into a fabulous fashion showcase featuring three shows a day, a marketplace and merchandise store, cocktail hours, expert panel discussions, live DJs and more. ATLFW kicks off on October 6, with runway shows and experiences beginning at 12 p.m. and lasting into the evening. The show will feature men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and streetwear that reflects the collaboration of music and visual arts defining Atlanta’s fashion and culture. More information about ATLFW can be found here.
In addition to ATLFW, Underground Atlanta is home to a variety of exciting community events. Mystic Swamp Fest, a two-day skateboarding competition and music festival; The L.A.G., a bi-weekly gaming, cosplay and dancing tournament; Free Parking Hangout, a weekly Sunday market featuring live performances, handmade goods, arts, games and more; and AMADOR, Atlanta’s newest pop-up community wellness program. Lalani Ventures also launched a rotating series of art installations, galleries, and events at Underground, such as DIGATL, a 30,000-square-foot gallery featuring innovative virtual reality experiences, interactive installations, large-scale projection mapping and more by Atlanta-based artists.
Underground Atlanta also continues to build upon its unique and best-in-class tenant mix. Just last month, Lalani Ventures announced that Atlanta Brewing Company, Georgia’s first craft brewery, will relocate to the historic district and open a new indoor/outdoor taproom, brewery and restaurant on Upper Alabama Street later this year; Fulton County’s Public Arts Future Lab, an innovative artist residency funded by Microsoft, MARTA Artbound (MARTA’s public art program), and Arts & Entertainment Atlanta; YELLE Beauty, a Black woman-owned and operated beauty concept by Yandy Smith-Harris; Dancing Crepes, a new dining concept also by Yandy Smith-Harris; dolo’s pizza company, Alyson Williams and Yusef Walker’s new restaurant serving up “New York-style, with a hint of LA and the accent of the Caribbean” pizzas; and Daiquiriville, a 2,200 square-foot indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar with karaoke, fire shows and other entertainment, owned and operated by Colombian-native Luisa Duran. Prior to Lalani Ventures’ acquisition, previous owners signed leases with The Masquerade, famed Atlanta music and events venue; Future Showbar and Restaurant, a 14,000-square-foot, two-story LGBTQ restaurant and bar; and iScream Ice Cream, an old-time ice cream parlor with modern edge desserts.
For more information on activities at Underground, visit Underground Atlanta’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information about ATLFW, visit Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.