ATLANTA (August 16, 2022) – Underground Atlanta owner Lalani Ventures today announces Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) will make its debut at the historic arts district this fall. ATLFW is a week-long event, beginning on October 5 and continuing until October 8, highlighting the culture and innovation of Atlanta’s diverse fashion scene. Featuring a broad mix of creatives, the event is the latest activation to join Underground Atlanta as Lalani Ventures continues to attract immersive concepts to the heart of downtown Atlanta.
ATLFW reflects the diverse culture and creativity that defines contemporary Atlanta fashion.
The show will focus on the concept of “Rebirth,” drawing inspiration from Atlanta’s historical “rising of the phoenix,” while also foreshadowing the rebirth and continued growth happening at Underground Atlanta and throughout downtown. To fully represent Atlanta’s diverse elements of culture and fashion, the event is open to applicants who will be evaluated to see if they harness the drive of “a maker,” a quality design portfolio, originality, and appreciation of current fashion trends.
“Concepts like ATLFW are essential to honoring the history of Underground Atlanta as the city’s longtime center for culture, art and entertainment as we continue our revitalization efforts with larger activations,” said Shaneel Lalani, CEO of Lalani Ventures. “We are passionate about supporting artistic ventures like ATLFW with a goal of bringing art and artists back to the community as we bring new life and business back to Downtown.”
“We are excited to partner with Underground Atlanta to host the 2022 edition of ATLFW,” said Angela Watts, founder of RAGTRADE ATLANTA, official producers of ATLFW. “Atlanta’s influence can be felt throughout many disciplines such as music, film and television. Now is the time to position our city as a global destination in fashion and art. Underground Atlanta is the perfect location to start this journey.”
ATLFW will transform the district into a fabulous fashion showcase featuring up to three shows a day, a marketplace and merchandise store, cocktail hours, expert panel discussions, live DJs and more. ATLFW kicks off on October 6, with runway shows and experiences beginning at 12 p.m. and lasting into the evening. The show will feature men’s and women’s ready-to-wear and streetwear that reflects the collaboration of music and visual arts defining Atlanta’s fashion and culture. More information about ATLFW can be found here.
In addition to ATLFW, Underground Atlanta is home to a variety of exciting community events. Mystic Swamp Fest, a two-day skateboarding competition and music festival; The L.A.G., a bi-weekly gaming, cosplay and dancing tournament; Free Parking Hangout, a weekly Sunday market featuring live performances, handmade goods, arts, games and more; and AMADOR, Atlanta’s newest pop-up community wellness program. Lalani Ventures also launched a rotating series of art installations, galleries, and events at Underground, such as DIGATL, a 30,000-square-foot gallery featuring innovative virtual reality experiences, interactive installations, large-scale projection mapping and more by Atlanta-based artists.
Underground Atlanta also continues to build upon its unique and best-in-class tenant mix. Just last month, Lalani Ventures announced that Atlanta Brewing Company, Georgia’s first craft brewery, will relocate to the historic district and open a new indoor/outdoor taproom, brewery and restaurant on Upper Alabama Street later this year; Fulton County’s Public Arts Future Lab, an innovative artist residency funded by Microsoft, MARTA Artbound (MARTA’s public art program), and Arts & Entertainment Atlanta; YELLE Beauty, a Black woman-owned and operated beauty concept by Yandy Smith-Harris; Dancing Crepes, a new dining concept also by Yandy Smith-Harris; dolo’s pizza company, Alyson Williams and Yusef Walker’s new restaurant serving up “New York-style, with a hint of LA and the accent of the Caribbean” pizzas; and Daiquiriville, a 2,200 square-foot indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar with karaoke, fire shows and other entertainment, owned and operated by Colombian-native Luisa Duran. Prior to Lalani Ventures’ acquisition, previous owners signed leases with The Masquerade, famed Atlanta music and events venue; Future Showbar and Restaurant, a 14,000-square-foot, two-story LGBTQ restaurant and bar; and iScream Ice Cream, an old-time ice cream parlor with modern edge desserts. For more information on activities at Underground, visit Underground Atlanta’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
###
About Underground Atlanta
Underground Atlanta has long been the cultural heart of Downtown Atlanta. With historic roots dating back to the 1900s, this arts, entertainment, and retail district spans multiple levels and four city blocks. In 2020, Lalani Ventures purchased Underground with a vision to restore and revitalize this iconic destination. Bordered by Pryor, Central, Wall, and Alabama Streets and connected to the Five Points MARTA, Underground Atlanta is a central, accessible space that will house local retailers and restaurants, entertainment and exhibition spaces, and galleries with a special focus on immersive art experiences. With a new and visionary team at the helm and the support and enthusiasm of the Downtown community, Underground will once again reflect and enhance the vibrancy of the city we call home. Follow along on Instagram and Twitter and visit the website at undergroundatl.com.
About Lalani Ventures
Led by an immigrant who planted roots in Atlanta more than 20 years ago, Lalani Ventures is bringing financial strength and forward-thinking vision to the redevelopment of Underground Atlanta. The local investment firm’s CEO Shaneel Lalani has worked in retail his whole life, starting out as a store clerk. He bought his first real estate property in 2012. Shaneel has since grown Lalani Ventures’ real estate portfolio to more than two million square feet of commercial space, with the vast majority of properties located in Georgia.On the heels of the Underground Atlanta acquisition in 2020, Lalani purchased 34 Peachtree, a 300,000-square-foot office building in Downtown Atlanta, with plans to revive the dated office tower. The core business strategy for Lalani Ventures is to buy underperforming assets and add value through innovative redevelopment and leasing strategies.
About Atlanta Fashion Week
Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) is committed to evolving into a global fashion destination with the mission of celebrating diversity, innovation and creativity in fashion. Our primary goal is to create an interactive hub for fashion designers where trend-setting work is celebrated before it reaches a mainstream audience. ATLFW is the ultimate resource for fashion designers and represents fashion as a conduit for expression in technology, music and visual arts.
