“Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair,” an exciting, historic exhibit, opens Friday, Sept. 18, at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and will run through Jan. 3, 2016.
The traveling fashion extravaganza was created in 1958 by Johnson Publishing Company, with special input by Eunice Johnson, co-founder of Johnson Publishing. It raised millions of dollars for charity.
Organized by the Chicago History Museum in cooperation with Johnson Publishing Company, the exhibit showcases the creations of such famous designers as Bob Mackie, Christian Lacroix, Stephen Burrows, Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin, Bill Blass and Yves Saint-Laurent, to name a few.
“Inspiring Beauty” is presented in three sections that explore the three major themes of the exhibition.
The first section, “Vision,” explores Eunice Johnson’s role as the creative force behind the Ebony Fashion Fair. It features costumes that reflect power, affluence and influence, and express some of the show’s recurring aesthetic ideas.
The second section, “Innovation,” looks at the boldness and experimentation of Johnson Publishing Company. That story is explored through a media installation and ensembles that highlight bold stylization, dynamic shapes and innovative technique.
The third section, “Power,” features the exhibition’s most elaborate, luxurious and dramatic ensembles. The audiovisual installation looks at the impact that the Ebony Fashion Fair had on models, designers and, most importantly, audiences.
For additional information about “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair,” please visit TheWright.org.
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