This past weekend was an amazing, fulfilling, exhausting, and wonderful weekend with RAGTRADE Atlanta.  After more than 18 months of planning, finally getting to see all of our hard work come to fruition was such a great feeling.  As Designer Coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of really getting to know the designers that were asked to show their Spring/Summer 2015 collection at this year’s show.  While each have a very distinct aesthetic, they were all beautiful collections that would appeal to anyone’s personal sense of style.

Plus an added bonus for me, the producers decided to willingly give me a microphone and set me loose to welcome our supporters.  Some might say that was a highlight. 😉  But the best moment came at the end of the evening when a representative for the city of Atlanta presented the entire RAGTRADE Atlanta team with the Pheonix Award, the highest award for an individual or group.  Now there’s only one thing left to do.  Start planning for next year!

Larika Page

Larika Page’s collection, “Sidewalk Surfing” was largely inspired by her son and his love for skateboarding (he even opened her show on his skateboard!).  Larika has the enviable ability to make clothes that are both fluid but structured, and you could see her using that talent throughout her collection.  She kept her color palette simple with soft pinks, blues, nudes, and a bold yellow.  All of Larika’s garments created a sense of movement that really spoke to her skateboarding inspiration

Style Spotlight: Nude Racer Crop Top with Cream Silk Skirt

Milo Beloved

Milo Beloved, and his brand Harold & MOD, specializes in re-purposing discarded materials and making them shine.  For S/S 2015, Milo threaded lace throughout his entire collection in ways that could be rocked from day to night, from casual to formal wear.  Milo keeps things fresh, fun, and elevated.  He likes to take risks and definitely isn’t afraid of pushing the envelope.  And because he loves a well placed prop (like a gold shopping cart) his knows how to put on a crowd pleasing show

Style Spotlight: Denim Crop Top with Lace Harem Pants

Edmond Newton

Edmond Newton is all about drama and balance.  Edmond created a capsule collection dedicated to and inspired by his mother.  Edmond admittedly is drawn towards the color black, so he decided to really push himself with the collection by incorporating more colors and prints.  While Edmond started as a menswear designer (and still continues with menswear today) his S/S 2015 collection showed that he is also able to design clothes that have an appreciation for the female form.

Style Spotlight: Black Cross Neck Halter Dress

Natt Taylor

Natt Taylor is a designer who loves colors, prints, and the woman knows how to cut the perfect trouser (seriously, I want her wide-leg trouser in like 4 different colors).  Her silhouettes have a classic feel, with high waists and full swing skirts, but she knows how to update them for a modern woman.  Her clothes are pieces that a woman can wear throughout her day from work to play.  My favorite part about Natt’s collection is that her separates are so versatile that they can easily be mixed and matched to create numerous fun and fashion forward ensembles.

Style Spotlight: Gold Pin Point Sheer Blouse with Giraffe Print High-Waisted Shorts

Anna Toth

Anna Toth specializes in garments that are mainly American made cottons and denim.  Using her creativity with a needle and thread Anna can take something like tie-dye and create looks that are polished, and youthful.  For S/S 2015, Anna kept things clean, using gold grommets as her main source of embellishment across several pieces.  Even with her classic blue and white color palette, Anna still kept her clothes funky and perfect for a girl who wants to run around in fields without shoes on or attend an art exhibit at the High Museum.

Style Spotlight: Grommeted Tunic Dress

All photographs courtesy of Prince Williams/ATLpics.net