adidas originals bring “from campus to the runway” hbcu fellowship to atlanta fashion week 2025
ATLANTA, GA – September 18, 2025 – Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) is proud to announce that adidas Originals will bring its groundbreaking program, From Campus to the Runway: HBCU Originals Fellowship, to the 2025 shows. This bold initiative celebrates creativity, culture,and pride while spotlighting the next generation of HBCU talent on one of fashion’s most exciting stages.
In partnership with the AUC Agency, adidas Originals is hosting a four-week immersive fellowship (September 4 – October 6, 2025), selecting ten standout student creatives from HBCUs—including designers (cut-and-sew + original), stylists, graphic artists, and visual storytellers. The fellowship offers:
Mentorship from Alumni OGs, leaders in fashion, art, and media.
Industry Exposure through integration with Atlanta Fashion Week.
Hands-On Experience from concept development to runway-ready execution.
Networking Opportunities with cultural leaders and global creatives.
Visibility across ATLFW’s runway, branded content, and digital platforms.
adidas Originals will host a three-day pop-up experience in partnership with ATLFW beginning Thursday, October 2 and will culminate with a curated adidas Originals Spring/Summer 2026 showcase on Saturday, October 4, 2025, 9pm EST. The runway show will spotlight fellows’ creations on the runway next to Originals icons such as the adidas Superstar — a symbol of campus and youth creativity turned cultural mainstay.
Amplifying Bold Voices
“At adidas Originals, we know the future of fashion is being shaped on HBCU campuses,” said Anthony Abernathy, Senior Director of Brand Communications, adidas Originals and adidas Basketball.
“By bringing From Campus to the Runway to ATLFW, we’re giving bold, diverse voices the platform and visibility they deserve—while ensuring students gain the real-world opportunities needed to turn creativity into careers.”
A Partnership Built on Alignment
The collaboration reflects ATLFW’s mission of building true partnerships with designers and brands that generate income opportunities while amplifying creative voices. From retail activations to brand collaborations, ATLFW ensures designers and cultural innovators are positioned to monetize their work and present collections with purpose. “Atlanta Fashion Week is honored to serve as the platform where adidas Originals From Campus to the Runway comes to life.” said Angela Watts, founder of Atlanta Fashion Week. “This partnership is a perfect alignment of creativity, culture, and commerce—showing how global brands and fashion weeks can collaborate to shape what’s next in fashion.”
Strengthening Atlanta’s Global Fashion Footprint
By showcasing adidas Originals Spring/Summer 2026 collection and spotlighting HBCU talent,this partnership expands Atlanta’s reach as a global hub for creativity and innovation.
Together, adidas Originals and ATLFW are setting the standard for how fashion can empower communities and drive culture forward.
About adidas Originals
Inspired by the rich sporting heritage of adidas - one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global designer and developer of athletic footwear and apparel - adidas Originals is a lifestyle brand founded in 2001. With the adidas archive at its foundation, adidas Originals continues to evolve the brand’s legacy through its commitment to product innovation and its ability to filter the creativity and courage found on the courts and sporting arenas through the lens of contemporary youth culture. Marked by the iconic Trefoil logo that was first used in 1972 and championed by those that continue to shape and define creative culture, adidas Originals continues to lead the way as the pioneering sportswear brand for the street.
About Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW)
Atlanta Fashion Week, owned and produced by RAGTRADE ATLANTA, is a discovery and launch platform for fashion disruptors. ATLFW emphasizes strategic retail partnerships,immersive experiences, and economic opportunities that empower designers to grow sustainable brands and shape the global fashion industry.
Press Contact:
10 Squared Agency
//behalf of Atlanta Fashion Week
press@10squaredagency.com
adidas PR Contacts:
Pitchblend
Belle Ross | belle@pitchblend.com
Sarah Bronilla | sarah@pitchblend.com