City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Atlanta Fashion Week Announce Independent, a New Digital Talk Series Spotlighting Independent Designers and Creatives

City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs and Atlanta Fashion Week Announce Independent,
a New Digital Talk Series Spotlighting Independent Designers and Creatives

ATLANTA-The City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) and Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) are excited to announce the launch of Independent-a new digital talk series celebrating the city's thriving community of independent fashion designers and creatives.

Debuting in September on OCA's new podcast platform, For the Culture, Independent will serve as a storytelling hub for the designers, visual artists, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of fashion in Atlanta and beyond.

Produced in collaboration with Atlanta Fashion Week, the limited series will feature candid conversations with designers from ATLFW's 2025 lineup alongside other trailblazing creatives. Each episode will dive into the artistry, business strategies and cultural impact of independent brands while amplifying the voices driving Atlanta's reputation as a dynamic hub for fashion and cultural innovation.

The initiative will deliver co-branded content across ATLFW and OCA's digital platforms, ensuring year-round engagement with stories that highlight Atlanta's creative spirit. Together, the series underscores the city's role as a global crossroads for culture, commerce and creativity - a place where independent voices not only emerge but thrive.

"Atlanta is a city of makers, dreamers and doers - a place where independent creatives are redefining what is possible," said Adriane Jefferson, Executive Director of the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs. "With Independent, we are not only celebrating Atlanta Fashion Week, but also uplifting the designers, artists and entrepreneurs who make our city a beacon for fashion and cultural innovation."

"Independent is more than a content series - it is a movement," said Angela Watts, Founder of Atlanta Fashion Week. "We are committed to showcasing the real stories of designers and artists who are building from the ground up, on their own terms. Partnering with the City of Atlanta allows us to amplify these voices and show the world why Atlanta is the place to watch in fashion and culture."

The first episodes of Independent will premiere ahead of Atlanta Fashion Week's October 2-5, 2025 schedule, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at the designers and brands featured on this year's runways. Through digital storytelling and community-driven engagement, the series aims to expand the cultural conversation around fashion while elevating Atlanta's independent creative community.

About Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW)

Atlanta Fashion Week, owned and produced by RAGTRADE ATLANTA, is a discovery and launch platform for fashion disruptors. ATLFW connects emerging and established designers with industry opportunities through retail partnerships, immersive experiences, and revenue-generating business opportunities. Its mission is to position Atlanta as a global fashion hub while fostering innovation, community, and economic growth.

About the City of Atlanta Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA)
The Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs supports Atlanta's thriving arts ecosystem through programs, partnerships, and investments that empower artists, celebrate cultural diversity, and expand access to the arts for all residents. OCA is committed to ensuring that culture remains a vital and accessible part of Atlanta's identity and future.

###

For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit https://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.