Atlanta Fashion Week 2025: A Runway of Culture, Creativity & Couture at Atlantic Station

ATLFW 2025 transformed Atlantic Station into an epicenter of fashion, fragrance, and fearless creativity. From October 2–5, fashion insiders, designers, artists, and cultural influencers gathered to witness Atlanta’s declaration as a global player in style and innovation.

'' Dressed In Chaos, wrapped in rebellion" - Alani Taylor Image courtesy of Bob Mackey Photography

Atlanta Fashion Week 2025 at Atlantic Station was more than a fashion event; it was a multi-sensory style immersion. The iconic open-air venue was transformed into a pulsating hub of trendsetting talent, where bold visions, cutting-edge design, and cultural storytelling took center stage.

ATLFW: Image Courtesy of Shannel Resto

This year’s runway roster delivered an electrifying mix of emerging designers and established tastemakers, each commanding attention with statement silhouettes, luxury streetwear, sculptural evening wear, and Afro-futuristic inspirations. From curated capsule collections to collaborative fashion-art mashups, the shows proved that Atlanta is claiming its seat at the global fashion table.

Collaborations were king this season, with creative synergies between stylists, textile artists, and tech-based fashion houses who seamlessly fused tradition and innovation. Sponsored installations and activations added elevated flair; from branded glam suites and fragrance lounges to AI-assisted shopping previews.

Opening Night Honoring James Whitner, our 2025 Fashion Visionary Award recipient. Image: Shine ATL

Opening Night Vibes & “James Whitner Day”

The week opened with an unforgettable evening honoring James Whitner, founder of The Whitaker Group, who received the prestigious 2025 Fashion Visionary Award. In a powerful show of civic recognition, both the City of Atlanta and Fulton County officially declared October 2nd “James Whitner Day.”

The crowd, dressed in avant-garde looks and rich textures, gathered for a sophisticated celebration, made possible by sponsors like Belvedere Vodka, Moët Hennessy, and creative director @sirdavis. With Belvedere’s activation glowing in the background, guests toasted to legacy, leadership, and the future of fashion.

Candleporium Fragrance House: The official sensory Influencer hub of ATLFE2025

The Heartbeat: Candleporium Fragrance House

Anchoring the immersive experience was the Candleporium Fragrance House, the official sensory sponsor of ATLFW 2025. This wasn't just a candle store—it was a full-on vibe.

Attendees were welcomed into a world of aroma and ambiance, with curated scent bars, live wax-pouring demonstrations, and scent-matching stations that let you discover your mood in fragrance form. Candleporium lit Atlantic station with fire , touching the hearts of many with its warmth, intention, and community-first energy.

The immersive experience spilled over into fashion-forward content creation hubs, storytelling booths, and elevated photo-ops that turned every visitor into part of the art.

From Campus to the Runway: Elevating Student Designers

One of the most buzzworthy shows of the week came from Adidas Originals’ “From Campus to the Runway”, featuring emerging talent from the Atlanta University Center. Student designers from Clark Atlanta, Spelman, and Morehouse debuted collections shaped by a four-week mentorship program that merged classic prep, urban athleisure, and cultural heritage. These designs signaled a new era of Southern creativity on a national stage.

Signature Activations Across Atlantic Station

• Illy’s “Expresso Your Style” Lounge: A dynamic blend of coffee culture and creativity, featuring VR-style mirror art walls and caffeinated couture conversations.

• BMW Rooftop Experience: High fashion met horsepower on the rooftop runway, where guests previewed concept cars alongside curated style edits.

• Glam Pods by Beauty Powerhouses: Guests were treated to quick makeovers, touch-up stations, and influencer meet-and-greets, thanks to key beauty sponsors Clinique and Dior

• The Culture Court: A pop-up space highlighting Black-owned brands, legacy designers, and streetwear innovators that pushed fashion as activism.

Brand: Octavius Marsion

Designer Spotlights: Pushing Boundaries

The ATLFW runway was packed with visionary designers, each delivering bold narratives through fabric and form:

• Octavius Marsion channeled regal Black dandyism and reimagined Western silhouettes with dramatic flair.

• Safietou Seck of Sarayaa presented powerful Afrofuturist looks featuring Bantu knots, cowrie shells, and hand-woven red, white, and blue textiles—a tribute to Black culture and storytelling.

• Made by Middle and Eddy Yung offered fresh takes on nostalgic ‘80s graphics, cropped

  streetwear, and stacked denim.

Together, these designers brought new energy and intention to the runway, amplifying Atlanta’s distinct creative voice.

The Energy Was Unmatched

Throughout the event, the beats from resident DJs, live performances, and spontaneous flash mobs kept the crowd energized. Designer interviews and behind-the-scenes captures offered deeper glimpses into each collection’s story. While some brands leaned into quiet luxury, others delivered maximalist showstoppers, commanding applause from press, stylists, and influencers alike.

Celebrating creativity with a toast at the Remy Martin Espresso Your Style event, where bold flavors met smooth vibes and unforgettable

“Atlanta is no longer an emerging fashion city,” ATLFW founder Angela Watts said to . “It’s a discovery hub for the next wave of talent and cultural influence.”

ATLFW 2025 proved that. Through intentional storytelling, powerful visuals, and an unapologetically Black creative presence, Atlanta claimed its space—not as a trend follower, but as a cultural leader.

ATLFW 2025 was a love letter to Atlanta’s creativity, resilience, and style. And it’s just the beginning.

🖤 Follow Shannel Resto for more exclusive content, featured designers, and behind-the-scenes footage from the most immersive fashion week in the South.

ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto

ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto

ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto

ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto

ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto

ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto

AKEEM ALI at ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto

BTS ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto

BTS ATLFW: Image courtesy of Shannel Resto