RAGTRADE ATLANTA is putting Atlanta fashion back on the map.
RAGTRADE ATLANTA, an award-winning fashion organization devoted to fashion week features a week of outstanding fashion designers and diverse fashion events. Committed to the growth of the region’s fashion, design and retail communities; with a goal to promote fresh and local talent to a global market. Atlanta’s fashion community is here to change the narrative within the fashion industry, as it has its own noteworthy culture. Atlanta is now your one-stop shop for fashion, literally.
Last week, The Lincoln Motor joined RAGTRADE ATLANTA to host their 4th annual Fashion Week during October 2-5 2017.
RAGTRADE ATLANTA kicked off with the fashion week official opening night party at the W Atlanta-Buckhead. Music was provided by DJ Grace Lamour. Hosted at the Georgia Freight Depot provided an intimate atmosphere between guests, media, and designers.
Here’s the week at a glance:
10/2: Opening Night Party Presented by The Lincoln Motor Company and W Atlanta-Buckhead
10/3: Fashion in Atlanta presents an appointment-only fashion illustrator experience with Stephanie Gentry.
10/4: The Gathering Spot partnered with RAGTRADE ATLANTA to host “Cultivate”, an intimate meet and greet with RAGTRADE ATLANTA 2017 featured designers. “Being able to speak with each designer personally was the highlight of my week,” said Imani Aldridge. “They gave me so much inspiration to pursue my dreams in the fashion industry.”
10/5: RAGTRADE ATLANTA 2017 Runway Show Presented By The Lincoln Motor Company
Lincoln also featured it’s the latest lineup of vehicles. Including the all-new 2018 Lincoln Navigator and 2017 Lincoln Continental displayed amongst Atlanta’s emerging designers. Showcasing 5 designers: Natt Taylor, Tracy Nicole of Tracy Nicole Clothing, Muktar Onifade of VIZUVL GVDS, Kenya Freeman of Sylvia Mollie and Marsha Glover of Newde. RAGTRADE ATLANTA Fashion Weeks marks its third consecutive year Lincoln has participated in fashion and style in Atlanta. Designers Kenya Freeman, Natt Taylor, and Tracy Nicole each created a custom look inspired by the Lincoln Navigator.
Each year the finale show continues to get bigger and bolder.
Opening the show this year was RAGTRADE ATLANTA’s “NEXT” designer Marsha Chin-Glover of NEWDE. Her models graced the runway showcasing her “outerwear to underwear” collection inspired by her Jamaican and Asian ancestry.
The crowd was surprised by Muktar Onifade of VIZUVL GVDS. The only male designer to present his collection this year, this cohesive collection presented clean lines and manipulated silhouettes. His elevated streetwear brand showcased female and male models, gracing the runway barefoot as an ode to his African heritage.
Industry vet Tracy Nicole, winner of Belk’s 2016 Southern Designer Showcase, kept it simple and chic with her ready to wear collection made for the everyday occasion.
Natt Taylor, the winner of Belk’s 2015 Southern Designer Showcase, switched it up with a bold collection of ready to wear and evening attire. Her collection showcased a mixture of teals, purples and midnight black.
Kenya Freeman, currently a contestant on “Project Runway Season 16”, debuted her new collection entitled “Storm”. Her latest collection showcased her growth since last year as she ended the show with thunderous claps from the audience.
In addition, RAGTRADE ATLANTA founder Angela Watts gave updates on the organization and their plans for 2018. Notables in attendance included Katie Kern (Founder, Fashion in Atlanta), Tracy Nicole (Designer, Tracy Nicole Clothing), Kwasi (Style Influencer, Owner of MODA404), Robert “Middleman” Flood (Celebrity Stylist, Founder of Next Weekend Apparel), Damien Hall (Bandmate of R&B Group Guy), Lisa Pope (Hairstylist and Entrepreneur) and more.
Runway Images | Photo Credit: Seth Ruff of Ruff Cuts Photos
