Hundreds of finisher medals from past Kentucky Derby Festival mini marathons, bubble wrap sheets, coffee filters, gummy candies and yards of human hair. If you guessed the list constitutes a witch’s potion, sorry, not quite.
These unusual and incongruous materials were elements of the garments worn at KMAC Couture, a parade of wearable art held annually in Louisville.
This year, the innovative experience will take place on Saturday 16th April. Dozens of models wearing artwork will pass the runway as the show makes a triumphant homecoming under a huge tent set up in the middle of Main Street in downtown Louisville. In the midst of the pandemic 2020, the live catwalk event was replaced by “KMAC Couture: Star Stuff”, a documentary film.
The 2022 live show will be held just steps from the KMAC Museum front door, 715 West Main St. Return to “normal” after the pandemic means audiences will once again be immersed in a high-energy fashion experience which explores the practice of art, fashion and crafts.
“KMAC Couture is a big party,” said Michelle Staggs, executive director of the KMAC Museum. “It’s the best party in Louisville.”
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The contemporary art museum works to connect people to art and creative practice and has been producing KMAC Couture since 2013. Proceeds from the event finance the museum’s exhibitions, education and outreach programs.
The new 2022 show is titled “KMAC Couture X” and will feature up and coming and established artists, costume designers, and milliners from across the United States in a stunning showcase of original high fashion pieces of wearable art and conceptual fashion models.
The fashion show starts at 8pm and tickets start at $ 125. And the party doesn’t stop when the catwalk event concludes. Immediately after the fashion event, the KMAC Museum organizes a paid “after-party” from 10pm to midnight. Tickets for the evening after the parade cost $ 40 and include an open bar and snacks.
Reach out to Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com or Twitter @kirbylouisville.
KMAC Couture X
WHAT: “KMAC Couture X” will feature emerging and established artists, costume designers, designers and milliners in a stunning presentation of original high fashion pieces of wearable art and conceptual fashion models. 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 will be invited to the KMAC for snacks, drinks, and dancing until midnight.
WHERE IS IT: KMAC, 715 West Main St.
WHEN: April 16. Pre-show aperitif 19:00, 20:30 KMAC Couture Runway show. After the party, the parade immediately follows
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS: Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within the previous 72 hours will be required for entry. All guests must also wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking during the event.
COST: $ 125- $ 450. Buy tickets at kmacmuseum.org/couture-tickets
CLOTHING REQUIRED: Shades of white / neutral are required to make the garments from the show stand out.
MORE INFORMATION: All proceeds from KMAC Couture tickets and money raised during the event go directly to support KMAC. More details on kmacmuseum.org.