"KMAC Couture is an established community program that resonates at the heart of KMAC 's mission," said Aldy Milliken, executive director and chief curator at KMAC. "And it all culminates with a stunning fashion experience on Main Street. The show was the first of its kind in the region and has become a mainstay in Louisville." The museum presented the first ever KMAC Couture runway art show in 2013 to a sold out crowd, and expanded the event to Main Street in 2014 and Nulu in 2015. The runway show will return to a white tent on the 700 block of West Main Street in April. VIP and general admission tickets are available atkmacmuseum.org. The event offers a unique way to experience KMAC by featuring and supporting emerging and established regional artists, costumers, designers, and milliners and the extraordinary presentation of original couture pieces of wearable art and conceptual fashion designs. Finished wearable designs are the property of the artist with the option of resale through the museum on a commission basis. For the first year, audience members will be able text to vote for their favorite design. The winner will be awarded the Physician's Center for Beauty Audience Choice Award, including a cash prize for the winning artist. The winning design will be announced at the KMAC Couture after party, immediately following the runway show.

Nearly 100 submissions were received for KMAC Couture this year, with a final selection of 36 artists to be featured. Artists work for 18 weeks on designs, at which point more than 200 volunteers gather on the event week to assist with event set-up, hair, make up and production. The event is produced by KMAC Museum staff and a committee of KMAC board and community members, with committee chair Theresa Carpenter Beames at the helm. "KMAC Couture is a fantastic community platform for young and professional artists to expand their craft and get out of their comfort zones," said Theresa Carpenter-Beames, committee chair.

In 2015, Couture featured a design by Project Runway contestant Gunnar Deathrage, who will be returning again in 2016. In addition, Zachary Lindsey, 2015 and 2016 designer and student at YPAS Design and Production at duPont Manual High School, just finished a stretch on the new Lifetime series Project Runway Junior hosted by Tim Gunn and Hannah Davis.