Fulton County's fashion showcase returns to Atlanta this Sunday, bringing together ten designers, student talent, and a youth orchestra for a runway event that doubles as a celebration of five years championing local creative talent. The gala, called “FACEs of Fashion: The Art of Influence,” runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Skillshot Media, featuring a runway showcase and a networking reception.
A Runway Preview With Star Power
According to Fulton County Arts & Culture, this year's runway show will be hosted by actors Daphnée Duplaix and Keith D. Robinson, stars of the television drama series Beyond the Gates. Fulton County Arts & Culture Director David Manuel and featured designer Cleah Murray previewed the runway event ahead of the gala, discussing the inspiration behind this year's collections and the importance of investing in Atlanta's creative community, as reported by Atlanta News First. The preview aired on the station's ATL Live program.
The lineup of ten designers spans regional academic institutions and independent fashion labels, according to the county's release. It includes Murray, Maria Olivares of Savannah College of Art and Design, Aja Kink of Clark Atlanta University, Roderick McNeil of Le Fashion Lab, and Bramer Leon Stevens. Additional designers on the roster, per Georgia Entertainment, include Octavius Terry, Deondre Cumberbatch, Alex Holliman, Meher Stevie + Bree Reid, and Sehar Hammad.
Student Talent And Local Honorees Share The Spotlight
Beyond the professional runway lineup, the event spotlights student fashion talent through the “I'm Sew Fantastic” program and features musical accompaniment by the Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra of Metropolitan Atlanta. Visual artists Dutchess Lattimore and Kasia Camon will also present thematic artwork at the gala, the county's arts department notes.
The 2026 honors include Jamie Tankersley for Fashion and Henry Cheng for Art. The awards recognize individuals shaping Metro Atlanta's broader creative ecosystem, according to the county.
East Point Designer Brings A Bridal Business Built Since 2000
Featured designer Cleah Murray owns Cleah Couture in East Point, where she has run a custom bridal and formalwear brand since moving to Metro Atlanta in 2000, after launching her fashion career in Louisville, Kentucky more than 25 years ago, according to Voyage ATL Magazine. Her label specializes in custom gowns, ready-to-wear lines, and bridal alterations, per the same profile.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that David Manuel, who leads Fulton County Arts & Culture, joined the county from DeKalb County and that his position became effective June 9. Manuel graduated from the Atlanta College of Arts.
Millions In County Arts Funding Sit Behind The Spectacle
The runway gala arrives amid a broader financial push from Fulton County into its creative economy. On July 15, 2026, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners approved nearly $3 million in FY2026 grant funding for 200 arts and cultural organizations through its Contracts for Services program, according to WSB-TV Channel 2.
That funding cycle also introduced the Veterans Creative Arts Pool.
Five Years Of F.A.C.E. And 10 Days Of Fashion
Sunday's runway show is part of the F.A.C.E. “10 Days of Fashion” celebration. F.A.C.E. stands for Fashion, Art, Culture and Education. With designers, students, honorees, and county officials all sharing the same stage at Skillshot Media, the gala offers a snapshot of how five years of public investment have shaped Atlanta's fashion landscape.
