Opening Reception | Artist in Residence | The DK Bridal Debut by Donaka Katherine

Join us for the opening night of ‘The DK Bridal Debut,’ an exhibition by Donaka Katherine in collaboration with Material Institute.

Donaka will display her designs in a runway show in Barnett Hall with a second line procession leading attendees to the gallery space following the presentation. Mannequins will also be posed in lively positions just as a wedding second line is done in real life.

‘The DK Bridal Debut’ is on view in the Ace Hotel New Orleans gallery until July.

Donaka Katherine specializes in hand and machine knitting with a growing skill set in natural dyeing. She approaches the realm of fashion through a deeply interpersonal perspective, aiming to evoke profound emotions in unconventional yet relatable ways through her creations.

The DK Knitwear Wedding Collection aims to share the joy of the authentic New Orleanian wedding. From jumping the broom in a lush wedding dress inspired by New Orleans architecture to the parading of extravagantly decorated second line umbrellas, this collection will immerse the viewers in what is considered to be one of the biggest celebrations of life, NOLA style.

The Material Institute is a nonprofit arts center and free education space in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward which provides resources to a new generation of homegrown artists working in music, fashion and community gardening.

Ace Artist in Residence is the embodiment of our deep conviction that artists deliver us a critical lens through which to understand the world and ourselves. Through the program, we turn our rooms into studio spaces and invite arts organizations to take residency at the hotel and present work in The Gallery. Read all about our past residencies here.