ATL’s Global Runway hits stride in 2nd year

By Anika Robertson
Senior Editor/Assistant Public Relations Manager

Fresh off Met Gala fever, Atlanta tastemakers gathered at the world’s busiest airport to view, shop and share curated looks at the second annual Global Runway.

Drawing hundreds, the fashion event May 16 showcased ATL Skypointe, a program designed for guests to shop, dine and explore more than 300 retail, restaurant and service venues at Hartsfield-Jackson. The program generated more than $1 billion in gross sales in 2016.

Concessions Marketing Manager Pam Simmons called Global Runway a success, with 3.4 million social media impressions and counting.

“While the mission to increase awareness of ATL Skypointe remained the same [as last year’s debut], we aimed to do it on a bigger scale,” said Simmons, who organized the event at the International Terminal.

Hosted by InStyle Magazine editor and fashion influencer Kahlana Barfield, Global Runway featured spring/summer 2018 collections from Brooks Brothers, Spanx, Sean John and ExOfficio. In addition, a photo/video booth, silent auction, massages and various retail pop-up shops rounded out the experience.

Bids for the silent auction benefited Bert’s Big Adventure, a local nonprofit founded by radio personality Bert Weiss that takes children with chronic and terminal illnesses on a Disney World vacation.

Bert’s Big Adventure participant Kennedy Morgan found her stride modeling a navy Brooks Brothers dress.

“She’s a beautiful young lady who is so strong,” Simmons said of the 12-year-old. “It made all of us so happy to be able to create an experience for her that she will never forget.”

Attendees wore their own statement-worthy looks – from designer patent leather stilettos to colorful satin robes – while ATL brought its own fashion forward with two Airport-themed shirts, one of which was hand-designed by ATL Digital Marketing Specialist Devin Pascoe.

10 Squared CEO Angela Watts, who produced the event, brought in New York-based Barfield to host and local artist Stephanie Gentry to sketch fashion silhouettes of attendees.

We wanted to incorporate some different experiences, Watts said, adding that the expansion of film and television in the metro area has played a key role in the vibrant community.

“At this point, Atlanta is ready for fashion,” Watts said.

Indeed, as ATL Skypointe’s diversity of retail offerings at every price point ensures there is something for everyone, Simmons said.

“People know that we are the world’s busiest and most traveled,” Simmons said. “But we aim to make them also see that we are more than just an airport. We aim to curate the traveler’s experience from the time they set foot in the Airport to the time they board their flight.”