From The Front Row: F.A.C.E.’s of Fashion Shows How Atlanta Is Stitching Together a New Fashion Capital

An evening of standing ovations, daring designs, and cultural icons at F.A.C.E.’s of Fashion reveals Atlanta's seamless rise in the world of fashion.

From the beats that have powered hip-hop to the film sets that have rivaled Hollywood,

Atlanta has always had a rhythmic pulse, and last night that rhythm walked the runway at F.A.C.E.'s of Fashion: A Glam Experience as Atlanta boldly stood in the spotlight, declaring itself a fashion capital in the making.

For decades, the industry has etched the fashion capitals into our minds collectively: New York, Paris, London, Milan. Their runways set the trends, their editors and houses define the seasons. But beneath the hum of traditional powerhouses, another city has been writing its own story, one stitch, show, and designer at a time. Fueled by the Fulton County Arts & Culture board, Atlanta Fashion Week, and the city's relentless creative spirit, it has upended that narrative. Atlanta is not waiting for permission. It is claiming its seat.

Photo: Fulton County Art & Culture

Hosted at the Twelve Hotel in Atlantic Station, the packed venue was a constant buzz of energy and anticipation as the evening was more than a fashion show—it was a statement of arrival. And behind that statement stands not just the designers and models, but the infrastructure of support that has quietly, and now visibly, made Atlanta fertile ground for creative ambition.

Atlanta has long prided itself on its influence in music, film, and civil rights history. "Atlanta influences everything" has become more than a slogan—it's a truth that pulses through its streets. But in fashion, the city has often been underestimated, treated as an "emerging" market rather than a competitor. That narrative is beginning to shift.

Established in 1979, the department has grown into one of the largest government funders of the arts in Georgia. Its public art programs, educational workshops, and grants provide resources for both seasoned institutions and grassroots innovators. Earlier this week, the Fulton County board announced that, following the amendment of the 2025 budget cut, they have reinstated $1.7 million in funding, totaling $3 million this year, supporting 173 art organizations and individual artists, ensuring the county remains accessible and well-supported. "The arts are the heartbeat of our community, fueling creativity, supporting local talent, and inspiring the next generation," says Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. Together, we are moving Fulton forward as one." Their motto, "Moving Fulton Forward," is more than bureaucratic branding—it's an ethos of growth and consistency that has given Atlanta's creative community real momentum.

Fashion has become one of the most visible beneficiaries. Beyond individual grants, Fulton County Arts has gained support in partnership with Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW), whose positioned as a cultural bridge, aiming to "advance fashion innovation, diversity, and sustainability" while placing Atlanta on the global map. Atlanta Fashion Week's mission underscores what is happening across the city: a convergence of tradition, technology, and cultural pride that gives designers both a runway and a community.

Photo: Creating The Narrative

The night unfolded like a love letter to Atlanta's creative spirit. Hosted by actor and comedian, Jonathan Slocumb, whose sharp wit and quirky style carried the audience in engagement and laughter between collections, F.A.C.E.'s of Fashion was not just a fashion showcase; it but a representation of Atlanta's DNA with an awards ceremony honoring individuals who are laying foundations and continuing to build the city's creative backbone in the arenas of art, culture, fashion, and education. Each honoree represented a facet of Atlanta's cultural fabric, painting a fuller picture of why the city is rising.

The reign of honorees included the Executive Director of SCAD FASH, Alex Davis honored for fashion, whose upcoming exhibition celebrates the late Andre Leon Talley —a giant in fashion whose influence is eternally unmatched. By honoring Talley, Davis is connecting Atlanta's present with global legacy. Keisha Walker received the Culture honor as her leadership at BCGA (Black Collegiate Gaming Association) carves a new space for Black gaming and esports students and entrepreneurs. Todd Harris, another game changer in esports, received the Education award with Skillshot Media, an esports academy that has built pathways for students to learn production and digital skills.

But the most anticipated honorees were actress Jasmine Guy and Atlanta's own, music mogul Jermaine Dupri. Infamous for her role as Whitley Gilbert in the iconic series A Different World, Guy, who is also a dancer, a singer, director, and cultural advocate, received the Arts honor. Her latest project, a film about her platonic relationship with late rapper Tupac Shakur, cements both history and heart as a storyteller. The highest honor, the Icon Award, was presented to multi-platinum producer Jermaine Dupri, whose Atlanta cultural stamp lies on billboards and MARTA buses as founder of the premier recording label, So So Def. Though both were unable to attend, their presence was felt with a heartfelt video from Dupri and family accepting the awards on their behalf.

Photo: Creating The Narrative

Fourteen designers, from student visionaries to established alums, brought their collections to life on the runway, underscoring the depth and diversity of Atlanta's talent. Student designers Sanaa Venkateswar of SCAD and Lathan Fleming of Clark Atlanta University represented the city's youthful future with bold collections merging technique with experimentation. They were joined by D'Voncii Design House and Nadia Wasti of Patuti, whose work pushed boundaries of silhouette and texture, while Farrow Furs offered dramatic glamour rooted in craft.

Alumni designers brought seasoned artistry. Felicia Dietrich's crochet work felt both nostalgic and modern, a reminder of craft traditions often overlooked. Phillip Grandison leaned into Southern gentleman tailoring, giving elegance a regional identity. J'en Restyle showed sustainability can be chic, proving Atlanta has a role in the global push for conscious fashion.

Photo: GZTV Network

But the moment that raised a standing ovation came from Therez Fleetwood with her Harlem Renaissance Reverie collection—brimming with symbols of Black culture, resilience, and reverence in every scene and seam in her designs. Fleetwood's work was a "history lesson woven in the fabric of an era representing Black excellence", she says—a powerful reminder that Atlanta's designers are not just making clothes; they're making commentary.

Photo: GZTV Network

This event was a bare witness of Atlanta's efforts to establish itself in the fashion industry—an event of prestige and culture with a shared passion for style under one roof. By the end of the night, one truth rang clear: Atlanta is not emerging; it has arrived.