Hundreds of finisher medals from past Kentucky Derby Festival MiniMarathons, sheets of bubble wrap, coffee filters, jelly beans and yards of human hair. If you guessed that the list represents a witch’s potion, I’m sorry – not quite.
These unusual and incongruous materials were each featured in garments worn at KMAC Couture, an annual Louisville wearable art fashion show.
This year the innovative experience will take place on Saturday 16 April. Dozens of models wearing artwork will walk the runway as the show triumphantly returns to its home under a giant tent pitched in the middle of Main Street in downtown Louisville. In 2020, amid the pandemic, the live runway event was replaced by KMAC Couture: Star Stuff, a documentary.
The 2022 Live Fashion Show will be held just steps from the front door of the KMAC Museum at 715 West Main St. The return to “normal” since the pandemic means audiences will once again be immersed in a high-energy fashion experience that embraces the practice of artistry, fashion and craft.
“KMAC Couture is a great party,” said Michelle Staggs, executive director of the KMAC Museum. “This is the best party in Louisville.”
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The contemporary art museum works to connect people with art and creative practice and has been producing KMAC Couture since 2013. Proceeds from the event fund the museum’s exhibitions, educational and outreach programs.
The new 2022 show is titled KMAC Couture X and will feature emerging and established artists, clients, designers and milliners from across the United States in an exceptional showcase of original couture pieces, wearable art and conceptual fashion designs.
The fashion show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $125. And the party doesn’t stop when the runway event ends. Immediately after the fashion event, the KMAC Museum will host a paid “after party” from 10:00 p.m. to midnight. Tickets for the post-show soiree are $40 and include an open bar and snacks.
Reach Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.
KMAC Couture X
WHAT: ‘KMAC Couture X’ will feature emerging and established artists, clients, designers and milliners in an exceptional showcase of original couture pieces, wearable art and conceptual fashion designs. All ticket levels include access to an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a swag bag and entry to the KMAC Couture After-Party, where guests are invited into the KMAC until midnight for snacks, drinks and dancing.
WHERE: KMAC, 715 West Main St.
IF: April 16. Pre-Show Cocktail Hour 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m. KMAC Couture Runway Show. The after party follows immediately after the runway show
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within the last 72 hours is required for entry. All guests are also required to wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking during the event.
COSTS: $125-$450. Buy tickets at kmacmuseum.org/couture-tickets
CLOTHING REQUIRED: Whites/neutrals are required for the garments to stand out in the show.
MORE INFORMATION: All proceeds from KMAC Couture tickets and money raised during the event go directly to supporting KMAC. More details at kmacmuseum.org.