Atlanta Fashion Week Officially Announced

Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) was officially announced with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, Invest Atlanta, RAGTRADE ATLANTA and more at the W Atlanta-Buckhead hotel. Atlanta Fashion Week will take place August 5 – 9, 2020 and will host a series of runway shows, fashion presentations, shops and industry talks. The city-wide event will feature a diverse group of local, national and global designers and talent.

Diversity and inclusion will play a major role in not only positioning Atlanta as a global fashion destination, but the success of Atlanta Fashion Week. With a highly acclaimed reputation and influence in pop culture, Atlanta is primed to intersect fashion, tech, music and visual arts on a national stage.

The Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment under the direction of Phillana Williams committed their support and resources to ensure the success of Atlanta Fashion Week. Williams also spoke to the positive impact fashion week will have on Atlanta’s economic growth including culture, commerce and jobs. Lonnie Soobar, director of small business development for Invest Atlanta shared additional insight about the many programs the agency provides to support local designers. Saboor also shared Invest Atlanta’s commitment to expanding their small business programs further. Philanthropic Educator and Founder of Fashionado.net, E. Vincent Martinez discussed how Atlanta Fashion Week will benefit fashion students with real life experience and how the platform will assist in retaining talent in the Atlanta market. Tracey Lloyd, district manager of JC Penny shared three key reasons why Atlanta is uniquely positioned to deliver on a fashion week; discussing how demand, supply and culture are closely aligned with our retail community. Robert Woolridge, general manager of W Atlanta-Buckhead shared his excitement around the launch of Atlanta Fashion Week and how his property is in full support.

Angela Watts, producer of Atlanta Fashion Week (centered) shares her vision about the upcoming show in 2020.

Atlanta Fashion Week is committed to evolving into a global fashion destination with the mission of celebrating diversity, innovation and creativity in fashion. Our primary goal is to create an interactive hub for fashion designers where trend-setting work is celebrated before it reaches a mainstream audience. Atlanta Fashion Week is the ultimate resource for fashion designers and represents fashion as a conduit for expression in technology, music and visual arts.

Visit ATLFW HERE & Join their mailing list.

FASHIONADO

Ghouls, Goblins & Gays: Hocus Pocus Halloween RECAP

Photos courtesy Dan Lax / Jerusalem House

TheJudges

(l-r) Rich Eldredge, Kaedy Kiely, John Gidding, Jovita Moore, Jason Moattar and yours truly, E. Vincent Martinez.

For the second year in a row I've had the privilege of supporting the Jerusalem House by serving as a judge at their long-standing Halloween party, a staple in Atlanta. The judges' panel [look for our pic in the slideshow] had a blast, but that's not to say choosing a winner was easy! So much time, effort and passion goes into the making of the costumes that it becomes very difficult to narrow our choices.

The energy of the party guests combined with multiple open bars and a good DJ spinning great beats makes this the Halloween bash of the year - every year! Now in its 16th year, you know they're doing something right! But of course, it's the cause that truly matters here. Jerusalem House provides housing and services to families, children and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. 

The theme this year was Hocus Pocus. Browse through the slideshow and you'll find everything from a terrifying American Horror Story's Twisty the Clown who gave me nightmares, to superheroes and villains. From tragic to magic, it's all there!

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Jerusalem House presents the Hocus Pocus Halloween Party

If you only go to one Halloween party this season, the Jerusalem House Hocus Pocus is the one to go to! It is the best party, with the best party goers, best music, best food, best costumes, oh and did we mention an open bar?! And let's not forget about $3K in cash prizes for best costumes. For the second year in a row, I am thrilled to be judging the costume contest with "chief judge" WSBTV's Jovita Moore along with three other amazing, creative people. This is no easy task. It's supposed to be fun... but let me tell ya... these party goers take their costuming very very seriously! 

So, are you a good witch OR a bad witch? Show us your coven on October 24th at the W Midtown.

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