The University of Kentucky Department of Retailing and Tourism Management, housed within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, is hosting its annual Color Me Kentucky Fashion Show on April 17. 

Themed ‘Big Blue Fashion,’ this year’s event will be presented at the Manchester Reserve by students in the merchandising, apparel and textiles program (MAT) at Martin-Gatton CAFE. The students chose this theme to show Kentucky’s fashion and culture have roots at UK. 

“This year’s theme, Big Blue Fashion, was chosen because it represents the excitement that can currently be felt on campus,” said Scarlett Wesley instructor of the fashion show course and director of graduate studies for the Department of Retailing and Tourism Management. “We truly are big blue nation – one community that is grounded in a common experience.  Big Blue Fashion will let us showcase the fashion stories we have in common and those that make us each unique.” 

Students in MAT 559: Fashion Show Production oversee every aspect of the show, from curating the clothing pieces to choosing and decorating the space.  

“Planning this year’s Color Me Kentucky Fashion Show has been such an exciting and rewarding experience. As student director, I’ve gotten to see every detail come together—from working with retailers to casting models and designing the overall vision,” said MAT 559 student Bennett LeMonds. “It’s been a lot of moving parts, but seeing everyone’s creativity and hard work bring this show to life makes it all so worth it. I’m especially excited for show night when everything finally comes together, and we get to showcase the incredible talent and style on campus!” 

The fashion show event will begin with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. with a cash bar for those 21 and over. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. and will be hosted by Fox 56’s Live from Chevy Chase morning show team. The show mostly features student models, with Miss Kentucky USA and UK alum Connor Perry as a guest model. 

Tickets for students are $25 and include seating in a designated student area and a gift bag. General admission tickets are $65.  

To purchase tickets along with VIP and sponsorship options, visit https://rtm.ca.uky.edu/color-me-spring-fashion-show. 

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Writer: Grace Sowards, grace.sowards@uky.edu  

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