Lexington, Kentucky, October 15, 2025
News Summary
Transylvania University’s Kappa Alpha Psi and Phi Kappa Tau fraternities held an inspiring event titled ‘The Power of Dressing’ featuring guest speaker Albert Lukonga, co-founder of Albert Couture. Lukonga shared his journey from the Congo to becoming a successful designer in Kentucky, offering valuable insights on style and entrepreneurship while emphasizing the importance of personal expression in fashion. The event aimed to motivate students and promote community engagement during K-week, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.
Lexington, Kentucky – Transylvania University’s Kappa Alpha Psi and Phi Kappa Tau fraternities hosted an inspiring event titled “The Power of Dressing” featuring guest speaker Albert Lukonga, co-founder and executive designer of Albert Couture, the first-ever Fashion House in Kentucky. The event took place as part of Kappa Alpha Psi’s K-week, a series of activities organized by the fraternity to foster community engagement and personal development.
Albert Lukonga addressed students and attendees, sharing his personal journey and vital lessons in style and entrepreneurship. His clientele includes high-profile celebrities such as David Beckham and Taylor Swift, as well as prominent figures like Governor Andy Beshear. Lukonga’s insights resonate greatly with aspiring fashion enthusiasts and young entrepreneurs.
Lukonga was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, later relocating to Zimbabwe during the Second Congo War. His journey took a pivotal turn when his family moved to Lexington, Kentucky, in 2006. There, he attended Morton Middle School and Henry Clay High School, where he developed interests in soccer and track, all while standing out for his distinctive style, often wearing suits tailored by his mother.
Although Lukonga initially aimed to pursue a career in cardiology to fulfill his parents’ expectations, he discovered his passion for fashion during a shadowing experience at UK Hospital, where he received compliments from coworkers. This revelation led him to explore fashion design and entrepreneurship, marking the beginning of his journey into the industry.
He is largely self-taught, gaining early experience at Jos. A. Bank before traveling internationally to deepen his knowledge of textiles, fabric sourcing, and business operations. A significant breakthrough occurred during a European trip, where he confidently presented himself as “Albert from Albert Couture,” overcoming skepticism and securing essential fabric samples to start selling custom suits.
Lukonga built his business model by sourcing fabric directly and minimizing overhead costs, allowing him to maintain high profit margins. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, he adapted by offering appointment-only consultations, which attracted new clients and expanded his brand’s reach.
During a Q&A session at the event, Lukonga provided invaluable advice to students on leveraging social media for networking opportunities. He emphasized the importance of making career choices aligned with personal goals and recommended that men invest in a fitted black suit and a white button-down shirt, while also advocating for quality over price.
For women, Lukonga highlighted the necessity of professional wardrobe staples, particularly the influence of shoes and hair on first impressions. He defined fashion as a powerful tool for individual expression and global branding, stressing its importance in today’s society.
Lukonga encourages personal and professional networking while underlining the notion that others will talk about you regardless of their opinions, which can be an advantage. He draws creative inspiration from friends in the culinary arts, noting parallels between high fashion and artisanal food that ignite his creativity.
As Albert Couture celebrates its eighth anniversary, Lukonga’s ongoing journey serves as a testament to the significance of passion and persistence in achieving professional success. His experiences and insights have left a lasting impression, encouraging Transylvania University students to embrace their individuality and creative expressions in pursuit of their aspirations.
FAQ
What was the focus of “The Power of Dressing” event?
The event aimed to inspire students by sharing lessons in style and entrepreneurship from guest speaker Albert Lukonga.
Who is Albert Lukonga?
Albert Lukonga is the co-founder and executive designer of Albert Couture, Kentucky’s first Fashion House, and has worked with various celebrities.
What is K-week at Transylvania University?
K-week is a weeklong series of events organized by Kappa Alpha Psi to engage students and promote personal development.
What advice did Lukonga give to students regarding fashion?
Lukonga advised men to own a fitted black suit and women to invest in professional wardrobe staples, emphasizing the importance of quality fit and appearance.
What has been a notable part of Lukonga’s journey in fashion?
Lukonga’s journey includes overcoming challenges, adapting to market changes, and building a successful business from the ground up.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guest Speaker | Albert Lukonga, co-founder of Albert Couture. |
| Fraternity Involvement | Kappa Alpha Psi and Phi Kappa Tau organized the event. |
| Clientele | Includes celebrities like David Beckham and Taylor Swift. |
| Personal Journey | Lukonga’s background from the Congo to Kentucky. |
| Fashion Advice | Emphasized quality fit and personal expression in fashion. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Eric Griswold and Maddy Farkas Celebrate Their Wedding
Heidi Klum Dazzles at Vivienne Westwood Paris Fashion Show
Kentucky Schools Integrate Artificial Intelligence for Education and Safety
Festive Fashion Trends to Enhance Your Wardrobe
The Great Escape of the ‘Devil in the Ozarks’
Language Diversity in Lexington Metro Area Explored
17th Annual Pride Festival in Lexington Features First Parade
Vance Boelter’s Shocking Charges: A Life Turned Dark
University of Kentucky Withdraws from Lexington Pride Festival
Lexington Celebrates 4th Annual Swahili Day
Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Jaden Smith at the Grammys
- Vanity Fair: Jaden Smith’s 2025 Grammys Look
- E! Online: Jaden Smith’s Viral Grammys Hat
- Hello Magazine: Jaden Smith’s Castle Outfit Reason
- Wikipedia: General Knowledge
- Google Search: Jaden Smith Grammys
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
