May 5, 2025

Art Student Designs Stunning Dress for Miss Kentucky

News Summary

Emma Cox, an art student at Western Kentucky University, has designed a remarkable dress and hat for Miss Kentucky, Chapel Tinius, for the Kentucky Oaks. The attire features intricate pink lily designs, reflecting the event’s vibrant theme. Collaborating with hat designer Kathleen Overton, Cox’s creation symbolizes both artistry and Kentucky’s tradition. The project fell from a playful joke to a significant milestone in her design journey, highlighting the importance of fashion at the Kentucky Oaks, which celebrates its 151st edition this year.

LOUISVILLE, KY – Emma Cox, an art student at Western Kentucky University, has created a stunning dress and hat for Miss Kentucky, Chapel Tinius, to wear during the prestigious Kentucky Oaks event. The attire reflects the vibrant theme of the occasion, featuring intricate designs of pink lilies, which are a signature floral emblem of the event.

The dress was crafted to adhere to the Kentucky Oaks’ traditional colors, with pink being a central theme. Cox collaborated with Kathleen Overton, the owner of Prim and Brim, who provided her expertise in hat design. Overton incorporated silk lilies into the hat, enriching the overall aesthetic of Tinius’ outfit.

The inspiration for Cox’s design came from a playful discussion with her parents. Initially presented as a light-hearted joke about painting on a dress, the concept quickly evolved into a creative project. Tinius’ mother discovered Emma Cox’s previous work at Prim and Brim and reached out to her, presenting a unique opportunity for her to design an outfit for the Kentucky Oaks.

Upon receiving the request, Cox expressed her enthusiasm and gratitude, noting that she relished the process of experimenting with the various design elements. She has indicated a strong desire to continue designing dresses in the future, seeing this project as a significant stepping stone in her artistic journey.

The Kentucky Oaks, celebrated this year with its 151st installment, is a major event in the horse racing calendar, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Known not just for the thrilling horse races but also for its emphasis on fashion, the event attracts thousands of attendees, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

As one of the standout features of the Oaks, the fashion exhibited by participants and attendees plays a significant role in the overall experience. Attendees often showcase their most creative and elegant ensembles, with an emphasis on floral designs, particularly in shades of pink, aligning with the event’s spirit.

In summary, Emma Cox’s contribution to Miss Kentucky’s outfit represents a blend of artistic creativity and Kentucky tradition. The successful collaboration with Kathleen Overton and the incorporation of floral designs exemplify the essence of the Kentucky Oaks, making it an unforgettable event for all involved.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER

The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren 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 the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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