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Description
Before the runway, there is the story.
Art and Aperitifs: Fashion is Art brings you inside the creative process with an extraordinary panel of fashion visionaries. Acclaimed designer Michael Ngo is joined by renowned jeweller Kyle Chan, and celebrity stylists and owners of The Archives & Showroom, Milla Stone and Alexis Lerma. The conversation will be led by Memphis Art and Fashion Week’s creative director, Sonin Lee.
Together, they will explore the dynamic dialogue between art and fashion, revealing how collaboration, craftsmanship, cultural influence, and innovation shape the looks that command global attention. This is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the artists behind celebrity style and hear how runway moments and red carpet statements come to life.
Guests will enjoy a pre-program signing and photo opportunity with Michael Ngo from 5-6p. An invitation-only VIP reception will follow the talk, exclusively for Couture Collective members and presenting sponsors.
About Headline Designer Michael Ngo
Michael Ngo is a Los Angeles-based fashion and pop culture designer known for bold, one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate freedom, sexuality, strength, and self-expression. Specializing in entertainment fashion, custom performance wear, and urban-luxe design, Ngo has created looks worn by major artists including Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Lil Nas X, Doja Cat, Camila Cabello, and BLACKPINK. His work blends streetwear, couture-inspired construction, theatricality, and gender-fluid glamour, making him a distinctive creative voice in contemporary fashion and performance design.
About Celebrity Jeweller Kyle Chan
Hong Kong born, Los Angeles based designer Kyle Chan, whose work has been seen on Vanderpump Rules, Bling Empire, and La La Land, moved to the U.S. from Hong Kong at age 13 and began his jewelry business in 2010 while spending long days in a Los Angeles hospital room with his boyfriend during cancer treatment. What started with handmade Wish bracelets soon grew into a thriving design career, with early support from clients including Miley Cyrus and Kyle Richards. Within two years, Chan’s pieces were sold in local boutiques, eventually expanding to more than 300 retail locations worldwide. His work gained major mainstream attention in 2015 when costume designer Mary Zophres selected his green moss aquamarine necklace for La La Land. Today, Chan has designed pieces worn by celebrities around the world, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes, Megan Thee Stallion, Lady Gaga, BLACKPINK, Paris Hilton, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Nas X, and Darren Criss.
About Stylists Milla Stone and Alexis Lerma
For over a decade, fashion showroom owners Milla Stone and Alexis Lerma have been providing stylists with their next hot looks for their celebrity clientele and projects. Whether it be for red carpet, content creation, photoshoots, or live performances, this Los Angeles showroom has always been a great connection for designers / brands and the coolest talent.
All fashion programs are underwritten by the Fashion Fund. Generous annual funding is provided by McKinney Family Foundation, and Lucia and Ricky Heros.
Memphis Art and Fashion Week is sponsored by Music Roadtrip, Kimberly MacQueen, Cheers Photo Co, and the Couture Collective. The Couture Collective is generously presented by Hemline Theory.
This event is one of several experiences happening during Memphis Art & Fashion Week, culminating in the Runway at the Museum on May 8. See the full schedule and explore all events: memphis.fashion
Before you go, one more insider move.
Become a museum member and keep the excitement going (and get special perks!). Couture Collective is the philanthropic society powering our fashion programming and the experiences that make the fashion programming possible, while Art Club delivers the perks, including discounts and first access to everything Memphis’ art museum has to offer.
Ready to help lead fashion in Memphis? Join Couture Collective, the philanthropic society powering Memphis Art and Fashion Week and year-round fashion programming. Connect with a style-forward community and help fuel our mission to create joy through the power of art.
Join Art Club and get more of what you love. Members receive exclusive access and special pricing on 400-plus events each year, unlimited free gallery admission, and 10 percent off at the Museum Store and Café. Join today!
Date & Time
Thu, May 7, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue Details
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
1934 Poplar AvenueMemphis, Tennessee 38104
