
Creating Conversation
Hank Willis Thomas's sculptures in the Museum Park invite visitors to interact with art and, perhaps along the way, find their voice....
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For 50 years the Ebony Fashion Fair (1958–2009) was an unparalleled charity fashion show that redefined the concepts of beauty and style for African Americans.
Fashion Fair founder Eunice Johnson at work, 1970, Photo courtesy of Johnson Publishing Company, LLC
Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair opens October 28 at the NCMA. Tickets are on sale now.
In March 2013 the show was brought back to life by the Inspiring Beauty exhibition, premiering at the Chicago History Museum. Since then the exhibition has mirrored the original show by traveling to cities throughout the country, including Atlanta; Washington, D.C.; and Milwaukee. The NCMA exhibition opens October 28. Featuring 40 stunning ensembles—such as Yves Saint Laurent’s “Picasso” short evening dress, Erreuno’s tree ring–patterned day ensemble, and Guy Laroche’s men’s suit adorned with iridescent sequins—Inspiring Beauty includes works by designers such as Stephen Burrows, Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Patrick Kelly, Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, Bob Mackie, Alexander McQueen, b. Michael, Missoni, Jean Patou, and Vivienne Westwood.
Tilmann Grawe, Cocktail Dress, special order, fall/winter 2003–04. silk chiné taffeta, horn, plastic and glass beads, horsehair tubing, and plastic boning, appeared in Living It Up; Photo courtesy of Johnson Publishing Company, LLC
Emmanuel Ungaro, Bridal Gown, haute couture, fall/winter 1996–97, cotton/synthetic blend lace, embroidered silk, plastic “pearl” beads and sequins, and glass beads, appeared in The Great Fashion Mix; Photograph by John Alderson, © 2013 Chicago Historical Society
In addition to featuring pieces from the world’s top designers, the show paved the way for several up-and-coming black designers, including Stephen Burrows, Eric Gaskins, and b. Michael. Michael in particular was forever changed by the support of Eunice Johnson and the publicity the Ebony Fashion Fair provided him. Today his brand, b Michael America, is sold in Macy’s stores throughout the United States, and his designs have been worn by Cicely Tyson, Beyoncé, and Cate Blanchett.
Henry Jackson, Ball Gown, special order, 2005, west African woven cotton, synthetic tulle, appeared in Stylishly Hot; Photograph by John Alderson, © 2013 Chicago Historical Society
Presenting positive and celebratory images of black life was both a radical and a necessary act.
The Ebony Fashion Fair, as well as Ebony magazine, significantly influenced black culture in America, as well as the way in which African American women perceived themselves. At the time presenting positive and celebratory images of black life was both a radical and a necessary act. The civil rights movement was underway, and the demand for racial equality continued to intensify throughout the country.
Through her remarkable achievements, Johnson helped open the doors to possibility and change for African Americans. The Ebony Fashion Fair exemplified these efforts, considerably redefining rigid and constricting beauty standards. By using diverse models and promoting black designers, the show played a key role in empowering African Americans nationwide. Along with highlighting the show’s most iconic ensembles, Inspiring Beauty explores how the Ebony Fashion Fair redefined fashion, beauty, and empowerment.
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Comments (2)
DrJasmine RGordon -
October 30, 2017
jennifer bailey-morgan -
October 30, 2017