Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair

“An unprecedented opportunity to show how fashion became a vehicle for African American empowerment, pride, and achievement.”

– Gary T. Johnson, President, Chicago History Museum

The first-ever exhibition to celebrate the Ebony Fashion Fair, Inspiring Beauty explores the 50-year history of the charity fashion spectacle that redefined the concepts of beauty, style, and empowerment for African Americans, by examining the history of the show as well as the life and career of its director/producer, Eunice W. Johnson. Inspiring Beauty showcases nearly 100 objects—including ensembles and accessories displayed on fully stylized mannequins—along with a cache of archival photographs, video, and Johnson’s personal effects, to recreate the runway experience and tell the full story of these unparalleled events. At the center of this dynamic show are the stunning gowns, feathered coats, and statement designs seen in the 40 garments selected from a collection of thousands amassed by Johnson over five decades. Works by world-class designers Stephen Burrows, Christian Dior, Christian Lacroix, Bob Mackie, Missoni, Jean Patou, Sarli, and others illustrate themes of vision, innovation, and power as exemplified by Johnson’s entrepreneurial spirit, flair for fashion, and philanthropic goals as co-founder of Johnson Publishing Company, the publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines.

Exhibition highlights include garments from fashion greats such as Valentino, Pierre Cardin, and Alexander McQueen for Givenchy, before they reached world-renowned status. An Yves Saint Laurent “Picasso” cocktail dress, Nina Ricci evening ensemble of a shirred jumpsuit and ruffle coat, Karl Lagerfeld for Chloébeaded gown, Vivienne Westwood animal print evening gown, and Emanuel Ungaro two-piece bridal gown are prime examples of the spectacular trends of fashion in all their exquisite attitude and style.

Developed by the Chicago History Museum in cooperation with Johnson Publishing Company, Inspiring Beauty offers an unprecedented multisensory experience for visitors who have never attended an Ebony Fashion Fair, while reconnecting those who experienced it first-hand.

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