When you think of American fashion hubs, New York and Los Angeles often dominate the conversation. But tucked away in the vibrant heart of the South is Georgia, a state quietly but powerfully reshaping the fashion narrative. From Atlanta’s bold streetwear to Savannah’s timeless elegance, fashion designers in Georgia are stitching together heritage, culture, and creativity in ways the world can’t ignore.

Whether you’re a style lover, an emerging designer, or someone who simply wants to support local fashion talent, here’s a look at the designers transforming Georgia into the South’s most stylish secret.

1. Marcellas Hill – The Tailor of Tomorrow

Atlanta-based designer Marcellas Hill is proof that Southern fashion isn’t just catching up—it’s setting trends. Known for his futuristic silhouettes, gender-fluid tailoring, and precision cuts, Hill combines Atlanta’s urban edge with global runway ambition.

His brand MHFA (Marcellas Hill Fashion Art) focuses on storytelling through structured garments—think metallic trench coats, asymmetrical blazers, and sculptural evening wear. Each piece looks like it stepped out of a sci-fi film directed by a fashion historian.

Why he stands out: Marcellas fuses fashion with fine art and isn't afraid to question gender norms.

2. Annette Joseph – Farmhouse Chic Reimagined

You may know Annette Joseph as a lifestyle expert, but her creative journey has extended into textiles and fashion. Based in Georgia and Italy, she brings European refinement to Southern comfort. Her fashion-forward aprons, robes, and linen pieces reflect a fusion of farmhouse utility and runway flair.

Annette’s designs have been featured in major publications for blending sustainable fashion with rustic charm—making her a voice for ethical fashion rooted in Southern values.

Why she stands out: A designer who makes slow fashion beautiful and functional for everyday living.

3. Mimi Plange – Ghanaian Elegance Meets Southern Grit

Though born in Ghana and raised in California, Mimi Plange has called Atlanta home for years—and her design sensibility mirrors that blend of global elegance and Southern authenticity. Her luxury label has dressed stars like Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, and Rihanna.

Plange’s designs are often inspired by African heritage—she famously reimagined Victorian ball gowns using African wax prints. But what really defines her work is the celebration of culture without cliches.

Why she stands out: She brings haute couture to Atlanta, offering luxury that tells stories.

4. Maurice Mander – Streetwear With a Southern Soul

Maurice Mander is leading Atlanta’s streetwear renaissance, blending urban design with social commentary. His brand Rich Broke has become a cult favorite among Southern youth—built around the message that financial status doesn’t define your worth.

With bold graphic tees, oversized silhouettes, and limited drops, Mander has created not just a brand, but a cultural movement.

Why he stands out: His designs are conversations—about identity, hustle, and the reality of growing up Southern.

5. Georgia Hardinge – The Sculptor of Fabric

While her name might suggest a homegrown Southern background, Georgia Hardinge is actually a UK-based designer with strong collaborative roots in Georgia’s design and textile communities. She’s frequently worked with Georgian-based manufacturers and creatives, championing the state’s untapped potential in fashion tech and textile innovation.

Her work focuses on architectural pleating and structured fabrics—each piece engineered like wearable origami.

Why she stands out: She’s bringing global attention to Georgia’s design talent and manufacturing base.

6. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Alumni – The Next Wave

Let’s not forget where many of Georgia’s best designers begin: SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). This powerhouse of creativity has produced a wave of fresh talent, many of whom are already shaking up the industry with sustainable collections, digital fashion, and even AI-generated clothing lines.

From Lindsey Tredent’s avant-garde eveningwear to Carlos Suarez’s experimental menswear, SCAD alumni are planting the seeds of Georgia’s fashion future.

Why they stand out: They blend tech, culture, and activism—and aren’t afraid to challenge fashion norms.

7. Lydia Simon – Fashion with a Startup Spirit

Founder of Lydia Design Studio, Lydia Simon is one of the few Georgia-based fashion entrepreneurs turning manufacturing into an artform. Her studio in Atlanta focuses on helping startups and independent fashion designers bring their ideas to life.

From sample-making and pattern drafting to full-scale clothing production, Lydia's studio is redefining how fashion is built in the South, offering a space where creativity meets craftsmanship. It’s not just a manufacturer; it’s a movement.

Why she stands out: She empowers other designers to launch and grow their fashion brands—ethically and locally.

Why Georgia Is the South’s Best-Kept Fashion Secret

What sets Georgia apart is more than talent—it's culture, community, and authenticity. Here, fashion designers are grounded in heritage but unafraid to innovate. Whether it's sustainable linen wear in Savannah or futuristic streetwear in Atlanta, Georgia's design scene is buzzing with possibility.

Fashion in Georgia is:

• Rooted in storytelling

• Driven by local manufacturing

• Enriched by diversity and culture

• Powered by innovation from universities like SCAD and design studios like Lydia Design Studio

Final Thoughts

If you're a fashion lover, Georgia should be on your radar—not just for what’s trending, but for what’s emerging. From legendary designers to rising stars, Georgia is proving that style doesn’t need skyscrapers—it needs soul.