Africa Fashion at the Field Museum

 

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to see the Africa Fashion exhibit at the Field Museum. The more inhumane and degrading American culture becomes under the mis-leadership of our current regime, the deeper I want to dive into my African ancestry. I have been going to the Art Institute weekly to revisit the Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica show on the days when admission is free for Chicago residents. I have always been interested in my culture, but the more the powers that be try to deny us access to it, the more I want to immerse myself in it. Who knows how much longer mainstream institutions will be able to fund exhibits like this.

Since the Field Museum focuses on anthropology, the exhibition provides a great deal of historical context, including a timeline showing when African nations freed themselves from colonial oppression.

A few records from the era when many of the nations represented became independence are also on display.

As I learned in my textiles class in design school, fabric is much more complicated than it appears to be on the surface. Fashion is the same way. I appreciate the time the curators have taken to tell the stories of the designers and people they made clothes for. Another admirable aspect of this exhibit is the care taken to display mannequins with cultural hairstyles like Afro puffs, Bantu knots, and cornrows. The artistry and craftmanship of these incredible garments is so inspiring. I've included my favorites below. (Unfortunately I didn't get the names of all the designers.)

Artsi Ifrach

Christie Brown by Aisha Ayensu

Maxhosa Africa by Laduma Ngxokolo

Imane Ayissi

Awa Meité

Kenneth Ize

Lukhanyo Mdingi

Nkwo by Nkwo Onwuka

Lafalaise Dion

Inzuki by Teta Isibo

Photo by James Barnor, Accra, Ghana, 1971

made by dressmaker in Dakar, Senegal

James Barnor

Kofi Ansah

Amine Benriouich

Sindiso Khumalo

Nao Serati

Thebe Amagugu

Imane Ayissi

an Azzedine Alaïa gown that Michelle Obama wore

There is also a related show connecting African fashion to Black designers in Chicago.

Akese Stylelines

They have some beautiful items from African businesses in the gift shop. I picked up this colorful tote bag and some tea from Kenya.

This exhibit is on view until June 29th and Illinois residents get free admission on Wednesdays.