As an editor, brand trips are the pinnacle of perks in our industry, and while the ultra-lavish ones like Coachella or an island getaway at a hotel you could never afford always stand out, the best ones offer pure impact. This past weekend, GU jetted off to Atlanta to experience the city’s fashion week in all its glory, in partnership with Adidas Originals. Unlike New York or Los Angeles, the southern city prioritized young Black creatives and mentorship, giving them opportunities of a lifetime.
Atlanta Fashion Week, founded by Angela Watts, has been running for over a decade. Just shy of its 15th year, a two-day activation in the buzzing shopping district of Atlantic Station in Midtown brought out the city’s finest fashion lovers for a weekend of workshops, panels, and a fashion show curated by student designers from Clark Atlanta, Spelman, and Morehouse.
The two-day activation started on Friday with attendees stepping into Adidas Originals’ upscaled world. Walls were lined with visual nods to Black culture from music to art alongside a preview of the brand’s upcoming 2026 collection, featuring jerseys, lightweight pieces, and knits. The brand isn’t just about Sambas and Superstars. It’s about reflecting the next generation of consumers and aligning with the legacy of Black style.
The first workshop, led by designer Original Fani, invited guests to design their own T-shirts using pressed prints of Fani’s artwork on Adidas tees. Later, ATL creator Freako Rico led a live painting session followed by a panel with designers Olivia Anthony of Liv Streetwear and Bryan Joel, a stylist and creator, who shared their journeys with eager students hoping to forge their own paths in fashion.
“It’s about reminding young designers that they already have what it takes,” Anthony shared. “You don’t have to wait for validation from a big city or a big brand. What you’re doing here matters.”
Saturday evening, students from Atlanta’s top universities took the runway, redesigning and styling Adidas pieces to create looks that embodied their personal aesthetics. Mentored by Anthony and Joel, students mentees Naima Starr, Martha Merant-Singleton, Trinity Pike, Ana Villavaso, Sydney Dinkins, and Aja King, to name a few, delivered distinct, one of a kind designs that felt worthy of the main stage. From reworked hoodies that transformed into couture dresses to soccer balls becoming an exclusive bralette and short, this cohort pushed themselves outside the box to create visions of art.
“I wanted to push them to see fashion as storytelling,” Anthony said. “Every piece you create says something about who you are and the world you want to build. Seeing that come alive on the runway was incredible.”
One of those students, Starr, shared, “Working with Liv and being part of this programming has taught me so much about teamwork, staying organized, and showing up fully as an artist. It’s inspiring to see how our authenticity and hard work can come together to create something bigger for the next generation.”
She added, “Atlanta has such a unique streetwear culture, and being here helps me reflect on my own style and career goals. It’s motivating to see how our creativity and individuality can come together to make a real impact.”
Atlanta Fashion Week is more than just fashion, it’s a curated hub where creators can level up their game, from business and marketing to content and networking. The South is positioning itself as a breeding ground for the next “it” person to grow, proving there’s beauty, opportunity, and power in your own backyard.