Angela Watts is an acclaimed marketing strategist, cultural architect, and founder of Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) — one of the South’s most influential platforms celebrating fashion, culture, and creative entrepreneurship. With more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, experiential marketing, and brand partnerships, Watts has long championed Atlanta’s creative economy by building platforms that elevate emerging designers, amplify local talent, and forge powerful collaborations across industries. Her journey began in marketing and public relations, where she honed her craft driving visibility for major lifestyle, beauty, and cultural brands before envisioning a fashion ecosystem that truly reflected Atlanta’s creative pulse.
Under Watts’s leadership, ATLFW has grown from a collective of seasonal shows into a dynamic annual fashion festival that blends runway presentations, retail activations, thought leadership programming, and community-centered experiences. Through her production company, RAGTRADE ATLANTA, she has strategically partnered with municipal agencies, global brands, and cultural institutions to expand the reach and impact of the event — including official recognition from the City of Atlanta and membership in CFDA Connects, the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s initiative supporting regional fashion organizations. Atlanta Fashion Week’s 2025 iteration, held at Atlantic Station, marked a major milestone with sold-out shows, nationwide media coverage, and new collaborations with partners like BMW, adidas Originals, and Bloomingdale’s.
Beyond programming and production, Watts is a respected mentor and advocate for creative entrepreneurs, offering guidance and support for emerging fashion designers, brand builders, and creative founders. Her vision for ATLFW extends beyond celebration — it’s rooted in sustainable infrastructure, economic opportunity, and cultural storytelling that positions Atlanta as a global fashion capital. Through her work, Watts continues to redefine what fashion week looks like — making it inclusive, commercially viable, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.