Atlanta's Underrepresented Fashion Scene is On The Rise: Fashion Events + Sustainable Fashion Br

There seems to be a lack of representation about the fashion scene in Atlanta. And although it's not the "main" fashion hub, there are a lot of innovative, creative designers in this city. And I think it's time for them to receive the credit that's due. Yes, the fashion scene may be more popular and prevalent in cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Milan; however, Atlanta is slowly on the fashion rise.

Did you know about Atlanta International Fashion Week? It was founded by Paula Whittle and has been running for 12 years. The main reason behind it is to bridge the gap and connect continents through fashion. This semi-annual event takes place every February and September features up to 430 fashion designers from 10 different countries worldwide. Some designers include—Balmain, Kenzo, Balenciaga, White House Black Market, and Kenneth Cole. There have even been special appearances from music sensation Sean "P Diddy" Combs to the infamous Kim Kardashian. This year it runs from September 24th-29th. (So check it out)

Another fashion movement that is starting to peak and make a name for itself is the Spring/Fall Atlanta Streetwear Market. It was an idea brought to life in 2017 and run by Full Clip Global's Chris Peeples and his creative team. It's a place where a variety of streetwear fashion designers come to showcase their collection and build awareness for their brand. It's a fashion hub for creatives from all walks of life to connect and network. Each event brings different designers and an overall bigger experience than the one before. It's a great way to mix, mingle, dance, and eat food as it all falls back to fashion. You can find out more information about the Fall 2019 ASWM on their Instagram page @atlantastreetwearmarket.

(Atlanta Streetwear Market founder Chris Peeple's & Nessly in above picture)

These two fashion events are keeping the city boomin', but who are some creative fashion designers that are doing big things in ATL? Sustainability seems to be a trending topic nowadays, and incorporating these fashion practices by using a circular model seems to be the safe route to take when it comes down to preserving the well-being of our planet. Two of these slow fashion brands include Zero Waste Karen Glass and ethical fashion apparel line Maelu.

Karen Glass is the founder of Zero Waste Karen Glass. It was founded in 2015 and the meaning behind her brand came about by a concept she designed in her studio in Florida. Her experience being involved on her organic farm allowed her to be mindful of waste. While her lifelong career in apparel design, development and production shaped her processes and aesthetic of her brand. ZWKG aims to practice preservation by upcycling used clothes and textile pieces into new clothing. Not only is her clothing highly sustainable, she also provides a safe and nurturing work environment for women who have survived victimization and are seeking shelter from abuse and refuge from hardships. She partners with a local Atlanta non-profit that provides transitional housing, care, and counsel to women moving out of sex trafficking and addiction in Atlanta (the city has the largest sex trade in the USA).

Karen is not only creating an eco-friendly and sustainable fashion line for her consumers; she is also helping women recover from toxic environments.

Another underrepresented Atlanta-based brand that sells ethical women's apparel is Maelu. Meghna Dave is the designer behind Maelu. She designs in her studio, while the rest is handmade in India using traditional artisan techniques such as block printing, hand weaving, and screen printing. They focus on sustainable textiles made with natural fibers and vegetable dyes. She's also big on keeping a close relationship with a family of artisans in India that have been block printing for generations. Maelu strives to follow a sustainable business model by not only creating naturally made global textiles but by also making responsible business decisions.

Scroll through their website, and you will see an array of colors, patterns, and designs in each section. It's truly beautiful and authentic.

There are quite a few Atlanta-based slow fashion brands and accessory stores that also need to be put on the radar. And although I never got to mention all of them, I will share a link to some below.

Coco+Mischa

Glad & Young

Megan Huntz

Neva Opet

Beya Made (Beya Made also has a fundraiser account @cribsnotcages that raises money for children and families separated by CBP and ICE)

Youngblood

Stories like these need to be told, heard and brought to the media. Atlanta is its own creative fashion hub and is constantly paving the way for creatives to expand their craft.

With love,

Xo -Brit