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Africa Fashion is a one-of-a-kind exhibition now showing at Chicago’s iconic Field Museum. Opening its doors on April 11th and running through June 29th, visitors are invited into a powerful world of self-expression through African fashion. Expect to travel through an array of fashion suitable for everyone including dresses, suits, two-pieces, jewelry, accessories, and more. The exhibit also features photographs, runway visuals, music, design sketches, and interactive elements that immerse you in each designer’s vision and story.
At its core, Africa Fashion boldly shares the stories, cultures, and creative inspirations behind each piece on display. With works from designers and artists representing 20 of Africa’s 54 nations, each country has its own flare, but the resemblance is in the voice of creation.
Weaving in a local layer to the experience is a companion exhibition, Connecting Threads: African Fashion in Chicago, that tells another story of a dynamic designer, Jennifer Akese-Burney. Her pieces draw direct inspiration from artifacts housed within the museum’s Africa exhibition, beautifully weaving together politics, identity, community, and style. She brings culture to life through fashion that speaks volumes.
“Every cut, line, drape, and stitch, fabric and fiber, reveals a tale of agency and abundance from myriad African perspectives.” – African Designers
This exhibition honors the legacy, craftsmanship, and influence of African fashion—with every piece holding space for stories that deserve to be seen, felt, and remembered.
To dive deeper into the traditions and symbols embedded in African fashion, mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
- May 5, 11am–1pm: Learn the tradition and technique behind African head wrapping.
- May 28, 6pm-9pm: Last Call Africa Fashion (ages 21+) // Ticketed event for an exclusive evening for guests to celebrate the Africa Fashion exhibition at the Field Museum. Include hors d’oeuvres and an open bar of beer, wine and a specialty cocktail.
- June 20th, 11am–1pm: Discover the meaning and history of Adinkra symbols, and their lasting cultural impact.