This Monday, February 24th, city socialites, fashionistas, and Opera lovers will gather for one of the most anticipated events of the year: The Pittsburgh Opera Fashion Show. This year, the theme is Threads of Destiny. Threads of Destiny will honor the legacy of operatic masterpieces like Madama Butterfly while pushing the boundaries of modern couture. Passion and drama meet on the runway as live opera and contemporary design combine for an unforgettable experience.
Not surprisingly, tickets are now sold out for the show but you can stay posted to FAME Magazine for coverage on the beautiful event. Hosted at the Bitz Opera Factory in Pittsburgh’s vibrant Strip District, this dazzling evening of fashion and philanthropy will spotlight the visionary designs of Nolan Kouri, feature an exclusive pre-show runway presentation by Kiya Tomlin, and celebrate the generous support of Studio Booth and Diamonds Direct, among other valued partners.
Every year, the event honors a different designer. "For those who have never seen Madama Butterfly, "it is a feast for the senses. It’s a poignant tale of love, betrayal, lost innocence, friendship, and remorse. It has some of the most beautiful music ever written, and songs that will melt your heart. Madama Butterfly is a fantastic first opera, so if you’ve never been to an opera before, this is a great place to start.", says Chris Cox, the Director of Marketing at The Pittsburgh Opera.
The Pittsburgh Opera Fashion Show is an annual signature fundraising event that brings together Pittsburgh’s arts, business, and fashion communities for a night of high style and elegance. Proceeds from the event support Pittsburgh Opera’s world-class productions, artist training programs, and community engagement initiatives.
A Celebration of Fashion and Artistry
This year’s featured designer, Nolan Kouri, is known for his bold, modern designs that seamlessly blend innovation with classic sophistication. His work has captured the attention of fashion connoisseurs nationwide, making him a perfect choice to headline this year’s runway presentation.
Adding to the excitement, acclaimed fashion designer Kiya Tomlin—known for her versatile, comfort-driven women’s wear—will take center stage with a special pre-show presentation on the runway. As a retail partner, Kiya Tomlin will bring her signature designs to the event, offering attendees an exclusive first look at her latest collection before the evening’s main fashion showcase.
Photos from Past Events, credit to David Bachman:
We were excited to give you a "Behind-the-Seams" look at the shows designs with an exclusive interview with designer Michael Nolan Khouri.
Can you tell us what inspired you to design for Threads of Destiny?
When I moved to Pittsburgh 3 years ago, I learned about an amazing fashion show produced by the Pittsburgh Opera. One year we went to check it out, and since then I knew I wanted to participate. When I learned that the Pittsburgh Opera was showing Madama Butterfly, I thought what a perfect source of inspiration. So, for the final part of the fashion show, I created 10 looks inspired by Madama Butterfly and my research that I’ve been doing about Japanese fashion, culture, and art.
What should we expect from the show?
You should expect 30 looks, separated into 3 shows, with the first show being a womenswear show inspired by my Highland Park garden. The second show will be menswear. A mixture of suits and urban leather looks. And the third show will be womenswear inspired by Madama Butterfly with amazing opera performances in between. The Pittsburgh Opera produces great opera, so you should expect a great fashion show.
How many looks will be in the show this year? What materials have you favored for this project?
There will be 30 looks. I’m using tulle, organza, some satin, and pleather for the women. And for the men, I’m using denim, linen, leather, and power mesh. For a while I’ve been interested in mixing feminine delicate fabrics like tulle and organza with more edgy, futuristic, and bold fabrics like pleather. As with this version of Madama Butterfly (as I’ve been told) it’s a mix of futuristic virtual reality with a more traditional version of Madama Butterfly, so I thought mixing those fabrics worked well here.
Highlight On the Event Partners & Sponsors
Pittsburgh Opera is proud to partner with leading local businesses that share a passion for creativity, luxury, and community impact:
Studio Booth – As Pittsburgh’s premier salon and spa, Studio Booth is dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best. Their expert team will bring their beauty expertise to the event, ensuring models are perfectly styled and shine on the runway.
Skin Boutique – Evelyn Aikin brings her expertise as a professional makeup artist and owner of Skin Boutique, a private spa specializing in custom skin care treatments, including facials, microcurrent anti-aging treatments, LED light therapy, and professional makeup applications.
Diamonds Direct – A leader in fine jewelry, Diamonds Direct is synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship and customer service. Their stunning, high-quality diamonds and luxury pieces perfectly complement the evening’s focus on elegance and sophistication. See their pieces shine on the runway and have a chance to take home a beautiful piece of diamond jewelry!
NEXTpittsburgh, the official media sponsor of Threads of Destiny, is the must-read Pittsburgh publication about the people driving change in our city and the innovative and cool things happening here.
Additional sponsors and partners help make this event a success, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience for guests while supporting Pittsburgh Opera’s ongoing mission to make the arts accessible to all.
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