Courtesy Visit Lexington
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, designer Albert Lukonga arrived in Lexington nearly two decades ago via a United Nations resettlement program. Now, he’s the man behind some of the city’s sharpest suits and sleekest silhouettes, dressing travelers from all corners of the globe on their way to the state’s prominent horse-racing venues. As the founder of Albert Couture, Kentucky’s first fashion house, he’s designed bespoke looks for clients ranging from local business leaders to University of Kentucky athletes—even outfitting Governor Andy Beshear for his 2025 Vogue profile. “Lexington is a growing, friendly city,” he says. “And the food here is seriously good.” Here’s how the tastemaker would spend his ideal day out and about in the Horse Capital of the World.
GREAT TASTE
“Carson’s Food & Drink has a laid-back brunch that will blow your mind. There’s a great Creole shrimp plate and sweet and spicy ribs that are insane. I’m constantly in the kitchen at home trying to replicate that sauce.”
Courtesy Visit Lexington
DRESS TO IMPRESS
“Break out the best stuff in your closet when visiting Keeneland, a racetrack west of the city with a true Kentucky vibe. Try to go when there’s a Thoroughbred auction happening.”
Courtesy Visit Lexington
SIP IN STYLE
“Drive a bit north from there for another essential Kentucky experience at Castle & Key Distillery. It’s a very cool bourbon destination that looks like a European castle. They do tours of the grounds and specialty tastings. Don’t leave without trying their old-fashioned or Godfather cocktail.”
ON THE MONEY
“Dudley’s on Short is my pick for lunch. It’s been around for more than 40 years, and the current building downtown used to be a bank. There’s not a bad place to sit. The dining room has big, beautiful photos of Kentucky history on the walls, and the back patio makes me aspire to be a gardener.”
SHOWTIME
“The historic Lexington Opera House brings people from all over for shows of all kinds. I especially like to visit when the Lexington Ballet Company is performing.”
ELEVATED TASTES
“I’m inspired by chefs, particularly the ones behind Omage, the Apiary’s multicourse dinner series. The menu and decor are always based on a different culture or theme. One of the most memorable was ‘Havana Nights,’ when guys from Cuba were rolling cigars.”
NIGHTWATCH
“Several of my patrons are in Italy and Spain, so I keep late hours. The Manchester, a fantastic new hotel, is a perfect spot for a nightcap. Its rooftop bar, Lost Palm, is like something you’d expect to see in Boca Raton.”
This article appears in the Winter 2026 issue of Southbound.
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