Chicago’s Field Museum is currently hosting a remarkable dual exhibition—“Africa Fashion” and “Connecting Threads: Africa Fashion in Chicago”—offering an unparalleled look into the dynamic world of African design. Presented together under one roof, these exhibitions are a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, art, and fashion. Especially during the summer months, the vibrant designs resonate powerfully with the season’s energy and warmth.
Africa Fashion: Global Impact, Iconic Voices
The “Africa Fashion” exhibition is a groundbreaking showcase featuring over 180 works that underscore Africa’s profound influence on global style. Visitors will encounter a diverse collection spanning haute couture, ready-to-wear, and multimedia displays. The exhibit traces the evolution of African fashion from pioneering figures like Shade Thomas-Fahm to contemporary innovators such as Thebe Magugu, highlighting bold designs that masterfully blend tradition with cutting-edge creativity.
This comprehensive collection includes photographs, literature, sketches, music, film, catwalk footage, textiles, and jewelry, offering a truly immersive experience into the continent’s rich sartorial landscape.
Connecting Threads: Chicago’s African-Inspired Creativity
Complementing “Africa Fashion” is “Connecting Threads: Africa Fashion in Chicago,” an exhibition that celebrates the local impact of African-inspired design. Here, Chicago-based designers honor their heritage and communities by creating stunning garments, jewelry, and textiles.
Inspired by items from the Field Museum’s collections and Chicago’s vibrant African design scene, the exhibit features talented artists like Olivia Ogbara, Stephane St. Jaymes, Hayet Rida, and Jennifer Akese-Burney. It delves into fashion as a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural expression, set within thematic environments inspired by Chicago’s skyline and enhanced by Robert Earl Page’s custom patterns.
Visitors can also engage with interactive programming, including panel discussions and collaborations with Black Fashion Week USA.
Experience the Exhibitions Now
Both exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to explore the global and local narratives of African fashion. While they run through March 1, 2026, experiencing them during the summer is highly recommended. The designs—often born from the vibrant energy and warmth of the African sun—truly come alive in the summer light, allowing for a deeper appreciation of their intricate details and cultural significance.
Don’t miss this chance to witness the transformative power of African style and discover how these dynamic voices are shaping the future of fashion.
Visionary Kai EL´ Zabar has worked as CEO of arts organizations and as editor, writer and multimedia consultant accumulating a significant number of years in experience as an executive, journalist,publisher, public relations, media training, marketing, internal and external communications. Kai currently continues her life’s work as Editor-in-Chief Of Chicago News Weekly where she has resumed her column, “E NOTES.” She is ecstatic to be in the position to grace Chicago and the world with a publication that articulates the Black voice.