Atlanta Fashion Week Founder Angela Watts On FUBU Relaunch & Atlanta's Sartorial Innovation
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From left: FUBU founders Carl Brown, J. Alexander Martin, Daymond John and Keith Perrin PHOTO COURTESY OF FUBU
Angela Watts, the founder of Atlanta Fashion Week (Oct. 2 to 7), gives a glimpse inside iconic brand FUBU’s anticipated relaunch.
What was the motive behind launching Atlanta Fashion Week?
I started producing my version of Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) in 2006, hosting runway shows and fashion presentations for local brands and retailers. The initial motive was to provide a dedicated platform for showcasing the creativity and talent of Atlanta’s fashion scene, which was ripe with potential but lacked a cohesive, high-profile platform. Shortly after, we began to take the programming more seriously, with a focus on elevating the industry and expanding our efforts to achieve a larger national presence. This strategic shift aimed to build up the local fashion ecosystem and position ATLFW as a significant player on the national stage, celebrating the city’s unique fashion identity and creating more opportunities for designers and brands.
What made you want to partner with FUBU?
FUBU has always been more than just a brand; it’s a cultural movement that represents entrepreneurship, resilience and the celebration of Black excellence. From its inception, FUBU was about creating a space in the fashion industry that authentically spoke to and was designed for the community it represented. Their story of turning a grassroots initiative into a global phenomenon is both inspiring and deeply resonant with ATLFW’s mission to amplify diverse voices and challenge the status quo in fashion. Partnering with FUBU felt like a natural fit because we both share a commitment to empowering our communities and making a lasting impact on the culture.
ATLFW founder Angela Watts PHOTO: BY GLENN MOODIE
ATLFW is continuing to establish itself as a big presence during fashion month. Compared to other notable cities’ fashion weeks, what makes Atlanta stand out?
Atlanta Fashion Week is more than just a showcase—it's a platform designed to help designers scale their brands and gain the visibility they need to succeed on a global stage. What makes Atlanta stand out is our commitment to creating programming that not only highlights diverse talent but also provides tangible pathways for designers to grow. Our goal is to build a pipeline that connects emerging designers with major opportunities, such as partnerships with top-tier retailers like Bloomingdale's. This focus on fostering long-term growth and providing access to industry resources sets ATLFW apart from other fashion weeks. We’re not just celebrating fashion; we’re actively working to elevate designers to the next level, ensuring they have the tools and connections needed to expand their reach and make a lasting impact in the fashion industry.
Who are some must-know designers that will be showing at ATLFW?
All the way from NYC, BDR Black utilizes essential everyday components of clients’ lifestyles to build their signature style. Sarayaa is a sophisticated and multiethnic brand with a unique African signature. The brand has been created for the elegant woman and her appreciation of fashion and devotion to looking unique all the time. Untourage the Label has denim capsules that seamlessly blend classic designs with contemporary aesthetics. Made by Middle combines trendy visuals with meaningful content, offering wearers a way to express their perspectives and stay stylishly engaged with the world around them.
FUBU founders J. Alexander Martin, Daymond John, Carl Brown and Keith Perrin. PHOTO: COURTESY OF FUBU
What can we expect from the FUBU events during ATLFW?
Fans of FUBU can look forward to an unforgettable experience that celebrates the brand’s iconic legacy while looking ahead to the future of fashion. FUBU Archive: A Fashion Installation will be a journey through the history of one of the most influential brands in streetwear. Visitors can expect to see rare and classic pieces that define an era, along with exclusive items that highlight FUBU’s evolution and enduring influence on fashion and culture. The FUBU runway show, on the other hand, will be a dynamic showcase that merges the brand’s rich heritage with fresh, contemporary designs. It will honor the styles that made FUBU a household name while introducing new, innovative looks that speak to today’s trends. Expect a fusion of nostalgia and modernity, with the energy and creativity that FUBU is known for. We’re keeping some surprises under wraps, but fans should be ready for a show that is as bold and groundbreaking as the brand itself.
What are some lessons you’ve learned as a businesswoman?
Building strong partnerships has been essential in growing ATLFW and creating impactful experiences. Whether it’s working with designers, sponsors, or community leaders, collaboration has opened doors to new opportunities and helped us amplify the reach and influence of Atlanta Fashion Week. By fostering a spirit of teamwork and shared vision, we’ve been able to create something truly special that resonates with a diverse audience.
Another key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of resilience. The fashion industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, and there are always challenges—whether it’s adapting to new trends, navigating unexpected setbacks, or finding ways to stand out in a competitive market. Resilience has been crucial in staying focused on long-term goals and pushing through obstacles to achieve success.
EDITION’s motto is “equity of expression”. Going with the Style issue theme, how would you describe how fashion helps you express yourself?
As a lover of both hip hop and luxury, fashion becomes a powerful way to blend these influences and express your unique identity. Hip hop is all about boldness, confidence, and breaking boundaries, while luxury speaks to a refined sense of quality, sophistication, and timeless elegance. By combining these two worlds, I create a style that’s both dynamic and elevated celebrating the energy and creativity of hip hop while embodying the prestige and allure of luxury.
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