The iconic Chicago institution, long famed for its towering dinosaurs, is turning heads with a bold new exhibition: “African Fashion” — a vibrant celebration of style, culture, and creativity from across the African continent. Open now through June 29, the exhibition swaps fossils for fashion statements, showcasing more than 180 dazzling pieces that honor Africa’s dynamic sartorial legacy.
CHICAGO — Fossils, meet fashion. The Field Museum has officially gone glam.
Gone are the expectations of a stuffy museum experience. Instead, visitors are greeted by radiant mannequins draped in cowrie shell ensembles, vibrant textiles, and standout pieces like the ice-blue gown worn by Michelle Obama at the 2009 Nobel Prize banquet — all displayed in the heart of the museum’s natural history galleries.
“People always ask, ‘Why fashion at the Field?’” jokes Angelica London, the museum’s project manager. “Sure, we’re known for dinosaurs — but this exhibition absolutely belongs here.”
Organized in collaboration with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, Africa Fashion unites work from over 20 African countries, weaving together stories of identity, resistance, beauty, and boundless creativity. From fashion and photography to jewelry and music, the show is a feast for the senses — complete with touchable displays for visitors with low vision and an immersive soundtrack by African artists.
From Roots to Runways
The journey begins in the era of African independence, when fashion became a powerful vehicle for self-expression and liberation. Legendary designers like Shade Thomas-Fahm (Nigeria), Kofi Ansah (Ghana), and Alphadi (Mali) are spotlighted for their trailblazing contributions — many of whom found international acclaim before returning home to uplift local communities.
But this isn’t just a history exhibit. Africa Fashion propels visitors into the present, featuring contemporary visionaries like Thebe Magugu of South Africa and Artsi Ifrach of Morocco — the latter known for a transparent, oversized burka embroidered with the protective Hamsa symbol, symbolizing cultural fusion and spiritual strength.
Fashion as Activism
Beyond aesthetics, the exhibition confronts bold social themes. South African designer Neo Serati Mofammere’s shimmering pink-and-blue lurex suit, complete with flared pants and a bucket hat, challenges traditional gender norms. Meanwhile, Lagos-based photographer Stephen Tayo presents a moving collage of masked drag performers, highlighting both the vibrancy and vulnerability of LGBTQ+ communities in Africa.
“Making this kind of art in certain parts of the world takes incredible courage,” says curator Christine Checinska. “This exhibition is about agency, abundance, and African magnificence.”
Celebrating Chicago’s Style Scene
Just steps away, the Field Museum complements the main exhibit with “Connecting Threads” — a locally curated showcase that honors Chicago’s African fashion community. Created by Melody Boykin of Black Fashion Week USA and Ghanaian-American designer Jennifer Akese-Burney, the companion display pays homage to the city’s rich cultural ties and contemporary African diaspora fashion.
For London, the dual exhibitions represent a broader mission. “We want everyone to feel welcome here. To see themselves in these stories,” she says.
And with an exhibit this bold, inclusive, and inspiring — walking away without a burst of creative energy? Absolutely impossible.
