New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and LA Fashion Week are just a few of the most anticipated runway events in the fashion industry. Now added to that list is Georgia Peach Fashion Week, which is quickly becoming the hottest runway scene in the South.
Founded by married model duo Kenyon and Desiree Glover, Georgia Peach Fashion Week brings the kind of upscale style to Georgia that’s never been seen before. Launched in 2015, the string of events is an infusion of couture fashion, art, and diverse entertainment. Gifted designers showcase the hottest fashion trends of the season with a fierce runway show while attendees are treated to music, vendors and more.
Since GPFW was such a great success last year, it’s expanding into something even more epic and unforgettable. From April 6-9, the Infinite Energy Center in the Forum will be housing GPFW spring 2016 events, which will cater to everyone from youth, to families, plus-size fashionistas, buyers and the general public who enjoy a chic runway show.
Sponsored by WEN Hair and Body Care by Chaz Dean, Natural Goddess & Adonis Organic Hair Products, Twin of a Kind Foundation, Skinny Pop Popcorn, and more, the show will also include celebrities, media and industry tastemakers.
While many of the details about this season’s GPFW are under wraps, Kenyon and Desiree gave us the scoop on some of what we can expect from the upcoming week of shows and their open opportunity for models and fashion fans to get involved.
Where did the idea for Georgia Peach Fashion Week begin?
Kenyon: We moved to Atlanta 10 years ago. We started doing some modeling out here, and we were just very unhappy with what we were getting ourselves into and the platforms that we were modeling on. We were used to doing LA Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, and the bigger, upscale kind of events. And they didn’t have the upscale, high profile kind of events here. So we thought we would have to take it upon ourselves to create that platform. We felt people were trapped in a box.
Desiree: We wanted to bring more of a couture look instead of sticking to the stereotype of the urban setting. We just wanted to bring about change.
What’s different about GPFW in comparison to New York Fashion Week and other fashion events in other cities?
K: We bring a different type of culture. We moved here from California, so we’re used to those other kind of platforms. But we bring entertainment, art and fashion all together. That’s out of the norm for most people here. And I think that’s what makes us different.
How have things changed this year in comparison to last year’s event?
K: We’re changing the location. We moved it to the Infinite Energy Center in the Forum. We’re bringing a more diverse crowd. Last year, people got just a taste of what we’re bringing to the table. And like my wife said, we’re not just sticking to urban; we’re trying to create an atmosphere that everybody can come to and feel accepted. We’ll have pop, country, contemporary, jazz. We try to bring different elements for not just one group of people. We got so much love and attention that we’re taking it to another level.
D: Also, this season’s theme’s is “Building Fashion Forward.”
Which designers are you inviting this year, and why did you choose them?
D: We have some amazing designers this season. We wanted to invite some back that we had last season, like one designer who’s only 15 years old. Her name is Kimani, and her line is called Kimani Couture. She’ll be showcased on our Youth Day Community event on April 6. Another designer we love that we’re bringing is Gege Gilzene, and his brand name is G3 Concepts. We also have Reese’s Pieces, So Anxious Clothing, Euro Creations. Just a lot of different designers — anywhere between 7-10 designers per night.
What are some of the hottest fashion trends we’ll be seeing on the runway at GPFW?
Our season is dealing with the fall/winter collection. So we’ll be seeing furs, winter jackets, cardigan sweaters, and things that are dealing with staying warm, but fashionably cute.
Are you still accepting people who want to be involved?
We’re still accepting vendors, designers, sponsors, and volunteers. We’re having a model casting coming up on April 2 at StudioPRIMETIME in Atlanta. Youth casting is from 10 a.m.-noon and adult casting is from 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Tell us about the specific events for each day.
April 6: Youth Day Community Event. That week, April 5-9, is Spring Break, so of course we’re inviting all the families to come out. The theme of it is “My Different is Beautiful.” So it caters to youth ages 5-24 and families. We’re going to have fashion, youth speakers, youth correspondents on the red carpet, performances, a Mommy and Me/Daddy and Me walk-off, the Mancave for the boys and the Pretty Girl Retreat for the young ladies.
April 7: La Curve Couture Show. This show caters to the plus-sized community.
April 8: The Alma G. Davis Foundation. We’re highlighting this foundation, which celebrates survivors of domestic violence.
April 9: The Finale. We’re going to have a lot of guest appearances in regards to celebrity designers. We don’t want to tell too much. We’re going to make it a surprise.
To contact Kenyon and Desiree Glover about the upcoming model casting or about becoming a sponsor, vendor, designer, or volunteer, email them at [email protected].
For more information on Georgia Peach Fashion Week, visit georgiapeachfashionweek.com. Follow GPFW on Faceook and Instagram @ Georgia Peach Fashion week and on Twitter @gpfwshow.
