Atlanta’s Fashion Statement: The Hottest Fashion Designers Big Moves

The city of Atlanta is a perfect fit to woo and wow fashion designers. Somebody said Atlanta is HOT and the trend for HOT Atlanta was born. No wonder the fashion elite and major brands are targeting Atlanta as one of the hottest spots to market their products.

When it comes to fashion metro Atlanta is blazingly hot! All eyes are on Atlanta from established brands to high profile design schools. Atlanta is setting the next fashion trends and this success has returned major spotlight attention for three Atlanta fashion designers.

High Class Atlanta Fashion

Mychael Knight: Fashion on the Small Screen

The world first learned of Mychael Knight (then "Michael") when he appeared on the third season of Bravo's fashion reality competition show, Project Runway. The designer got his start as a fashion design major before interning at an Atlanta boutique. Though he didn't win the show's top prize, Knight gained national exposure and attention for his street chic designs. Today, the designer is back in Atlanta, working on his next collection.

Simpson: Style on Stage

Though R&B fans around the world are familiar with singer/songwriter India Arie, they may not realize the talent that runs in her family. Arie's mother, Joyce Simpson, is an Atlanta fashion designer with her own talent for singing. Simpson spent much of her young life singing, opening for Stevie Wonder and Al Green. Though India Arie took some accessories classes at a local fashion design school, she turned to singing, while her mother ended up in fashion design and is now an established local designer. Simpson also serves as her daughter's personal stylist, and accompanies her on tour.

Anne Barge: Fashion Down the Aisle

An established name in Atlanta fashion, Anne Barge designs beautiful bridal gowns under her own label. Barge, who uses museum-quality beading and embroidery on fine silk gowns, has established an international presence with Saks Fifth Avenue. She set up a bridal store in London for British mogul Richard Branson. Like Mychael Knight, Barge received a bit of television fame herself when her designs won the "Today Show Throws a Wedding" competition in 2003.