HEAT WAVE 2025 IGNITES ATLANTA WITH A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, CREATIVITY & INFLUENCE
Heat Wave 2025 lit up Atlanta on Saturday, July 12, at V12 Restaurant, creating a defining moment in the city’s cultural calendar. Timed between Beyoncé’s sold-out tour stops, the inaugural experience, presented by Blk Book Studio, brought together artists, creatives, stylists, creators and media under one roof to honor those actively shaping culture. The ticketed event appeared to be a full house, with a room full of eager guests anticipating what the night had in store.
The evening honored The Hot List 15: Myles Truitt, Marlo Hampton, Miss Lawrence, Jai’Len Josey, Brandon Jenkins, Roxanne Kaiser, Thabiti Stephens, Neil Sneider, Day Bella, Metta Conchetta, Brooke Qilafi, Alicia Scott, Keyeriah Miles, Antione Joyner, and Dr. Jess Conner — recognized for their impact and creative leadership driving Atlanta forward.
Before the main event, honorees gathered at Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel in the brand-new Centennial Event Space Collection for an intimate pre-event reception, then arrived at V12 in style via sprinter van for The Vinny Experience.
The night featured a live performance by Will Hill, DJ sets by Kiya Lacey and iLLWiNK, and immersive moments including the Lume Cube Heat Cam photo booth, a Pink Flamingo USA car showcase, a Qilafi PR CRTV installation by Zion ATL & Hanna Midd Photos, and live custom lighter engraving.
The event was produced in partnership with WWWASEILCOM and Qilafi PR, powered by Rémy Martin and hosted by V12 Restaurant.
Photos by Zachary Jefferson and Reyna Waters. View the full gallery here.
Right to Left: Saint Austin, Justyn Burgest-Graham, Will Hill, Scoon ATL, Neil Sneider, unknown.
Right to left: Kaylyn Fudge, Founder of Blk Book Studio; Myles Truitt, Actor; Aseil Almogaber, Event Producer.
Vinny Watson and the V12 girls finishing off The Vinny Experience.
Thabiti Stephens wore a Jacquemus shirt with trousers.
Brooke Qilafi stepped off the sprinter in a green geometrical dress.
Fashion designer Antoine Joyner stood out with a load of jewelry, accessories and a gucci hat.
Aleena Herrod, Social Media Director of VUE Atlanta, arrived at V12.
A guest waits in line for the Lume Cube Heat Cam activation.
A fire dancer gave a captivating performance mid-event.
Roxanne Kaiser, Founder of PROXY, Pastednip and cast member on Netflix’s The Ultimatum, snaps a photo with honoree gift bags sponsored by PROXY and Rémy Martin.
Miss Lawrence, philantrhopist, social advocate, actor and Hot List honoree, poses in the lounge.
Simone Hopson, Co-Founder of V12 Restaurant & Sports Bar stunned in a white pin-striped suit and hat.
The peak of the event was a performance from artist Will Hill.
Day Bella, a Hot List honoree, arrives for The Vinny Experience.
Keyeriah Miles soaks in The Vinny Experience upon her entrance.
Tyeisha Perry, event planner and talent manager, Catherine Brewton, VP of Broadcast Music, Inc., and Marlo Hampton, TV personality, former cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta & Owner of Le’Archive, pose for a photo in the VIP Lounge.
Honoree and Creative Director Metta Conchetta wore a classic suit look with bold jewelry and tie.
Jai’Len Josey, artist and honoree, smiles big in the VIP lounge surrounded by other honorees.
Gigi Panier, creator, wore a Jean Paul Gaultier body suit and skirt set.
The V12 girls prepare for the entrance of The Hot List 15 honorees.
Bella Luna and Ariyl Onstott wait for honorees to arrive.
Unique Matthews, Kaylyn Fudge and Sacha Stewart conversate in a private VIP lounge.
Qilafi PR sponsored a CRTV live stream interactive experience with Zion ATL and Hanna Midd Photos.