Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to host 'Fashion Knight at the Museum'         

'Project Runway' finalist Mychael Knight to host a fashion show gala at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

[June 23, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Former "Project Runway" finalist Mychael Knight will host a fashion show gala event, "Fashion Knight at the Museum," at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum on July 28 at 8 p.m. As a finalist in the 2006 hit reality Bravo Network TV series, "Project Runway," Mychael Knight established himself as bright new talent in the international world of fashion design. As host of "Fashion Knight at the Museum," Knight will highlight a past-to-present comparison of the trendsetting fashions of Mary Todd Lincoln's day to the contemporary styles of today. This runway extravaganza will include local models presenting some of Knight's own fashion designs.

"Fashion Knight at the Museum" is one of several special events in 2007 that showcase the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum's newest exhibit, "Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy," running through October 2007.

"This event is unlike anything the museum has done before, and because of that we are extremely excited to offer it to the public," said Rick Beard, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. "By hosting ‘Fashion Knight at the Museum,' we are once again setting the bar for other presidential library-museums, by offering unique, contemporary cultural events that explore the influences of our past on our present… and on our future."

"I'm excited to be involved in this phenomenal exhibit," said Knight. "Mary Todd Lincoln was quite fashion forward and extremely indulgent when it came to fashion and jewelry. Her dresses were always designed and made to her specifications, regardless of the cost. If she were alive today, she would be my ideal client."

Knight, 28, graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor's degree in apparel design and merchandising. Knight relocated to Atlanta to become part of the burgeoning urban entertainment industry. His fashion design work captured the attention of some of today's popular music artists, including Jagged Edge, 112, Ciara, Free and Queen Latifah. At that point, Knight says he felt his career had "reached a glass ceiling," and it was time to take his career to a higher plateau. He noticed a commercial calling for designers to audition for Bravo's "Project Runway" for season three. From there, the world of fashion design has welcomed Knight as one of its newest stars.

The public is invited to be a part of this very special, one-of-a-kind "Knight at the Museum." Two ticket options are available:

Fashionista ticket -- $75

• Exclusive invitation to the Very Mary VIP Party with special guest Mychael Knight at 6 p.m. in the library atrium (cocktails and hors d'oeuvres served)

• Private tour of "Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy" exhibit before the show

• Preferred seating for "Fashion Knight at the Museum" at 8 p.m. in the museum plaza

• VIP memento

Trendsetter ticket -- $35

• General admission seating for "Fashion Knight at the Museum" at 8 p.m. in the museum plaza

• Viewing of "Mary Todd Lincoln: First Lady of Controversy" exhibit after the show

• Public autograph session with Mychael Knight after the show

WGN-TV news anchor Allison Payne will give opening remarks. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 217-558-8934 or online at www.alplm.org. Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Proceeds from the event go the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, a private, not-for-profit organization whose primary mission is to support the exhibits and programs of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

This event is co-sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, The Wardrobe, Appearances Salon and Retreat, August Evenings Catering, WDBR Radio and ABE-FM.

[Text from Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum news release received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]