Atlanta Fashion Week expands focus on culture and entrepreneurship

Atlanta Fashion Week returned in 2026 with an expanded program designed to connect the city’s creative ecosystem, spanning fashion, culture, and commerce. Running from September 30 through October 4, the event featured Citywide Partnership Events intended to move beyond traditional runway shows and involve a broader range of designers, retailers, and entrepreneurs.

Key programming included the Vanguard Awards, presented by BMW, which honored leaders in innovation and culture. Additionally, the event hosted a panel titled ‘What’s the Dress Code?’ at Moda404. Moderated by founder Angela Watts, the discussion featured industry figures such as Trinidad James, Kwassi Byll, Fiskani Kaira, and Middleman Fresh. The panel focused on building fashion empires, establishing creative identities, and the legacy of Black fashion and entrepreneurship in Atlanta.