Jean Yu, one designer in “Folk Couture: Fashion and Folk Art,” created a black chiffon dress, inspired by a wooden porcupine. CONTRIBUTED

HUNTSVILLE – Huntsville Museum of Art has the distinction as the only museum outside New York City to present “Folk Couture: Fashion and Folk Art.”

Organizers asked 13 established and emerging designers to create a fashion piece of original couture inspired by one or more works in the American Folk Art Museum’s collection in New York City.

Among these designers are Catherine Malandrino and Fabio Costa from “Project Runway,” Season 10 and “Project Runway All-Stars,” Season 4.

“To launch this extraordinary exhibit, Huntsville Museum of Art Guild is proud to host ‘Folk Fusion: Where Fashion Meets Folk Art’ as a cocktail event for the grand opening,” Ali Sherrod said. Sherrod coordinates communications for Huntsville Museum of Art Guild.

The launch party on April 7 will open at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s galleries.

For entertainment, The Sweeplings will perform their signature sound in folk/pop. Guests can sample delicious food and drink and bid at a premium silent auction, “all in one fabulous night of folk art and couture fashion,” Sherrod said.

Tickets are $85 and available at hmaguild.com.

Leading up to the event, Huntsville Museum of Art Guild has organized a fundraiser that features eight emerging fashion designers — four from the University of Alabama and four from Auburn University. “These design students are competing to win ‘Fashion Fusion Face-off: The Iron Bowl of Fashion,” Sherrod said.

“They were inspired by art from Huntsville Museum of Art’s collection to create their own signature piece. Everyone can vote for their favorite design/designer once daily on our website, fashionfusionfaceoff.com,” she said.

In addition, individuals can support their alma mater by donating in the name of a local alumni celebrity.

At the launch party, guests can “experience the unveiling and congratulate the winning Alabama or Auburn designer of our fundraiser, ‘Fashion Fusion Face-Off,'” Sherrod said.

Huntsville Museum of Art’s address is 300 Church St. SW. For more information, email info@hmaguild.com or visit hmaguild.com.