Catwalks & culture collide: Juneteenth hits the Field Museum for African fashion show

Chicago is gearing up for a lively celebration of African fashion this Juneteenth with a special event at the renowned Field Museum. Set for Thursday, June 19, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., the fashion show will showcase the creativity of local designers influenced by the museum's Africa Fashion and Connecting Threads exhibitions.

The vibrant show will feature captivating local designs by Stephane St. Jaymes, My Obioma, and other talented individuals, highlighting the beauty and diversity of African fashion. The fashion event will also include a live DJ performance and exciting audience giveaways. This celebration comes through partnerships with Akese Stylelines and Black Fashion Week USA, emphasizing a blend of local talent and cultural heritage.

The Field Museum connection

The Field Museum, known for its groundbreaking research and extensive collections, hosts the event as a step towards increasing public engagement with cultural stories and natural history. The event will be hosted by Emmy-winning journalist Samantha Lapkin and IHeartMedia’s Trey White.

According to the museum’s press release, the Field Museum—which was founded in 1893—welcomes over 1.3 million visitors annually, offering insights into the natural world and human stories. While event admission is included with basic entry to the museum, those interested in visiting the Africa Fashion exhibition must upgrade to an All-Access Pass.

Jennifer Akese-Burney, founder of Akese Stylelines, brings a modern twist to African tradition in fashion. Based in Chicago, her designs capture the vibrant Ankara fabric tradition while infusing Western fashion elements, the press release states. The event also aligns with the goals of Black Fashion Week USA, which seeks to empower and showcase minority African American designers.

As part of the Connecting Threads exhibition, these efforts showcase African American cultural contributions and strive for socioeconomic empowerment through strategic alliances and brand exposure. According to Black Fashion Week USA founder Melody Boykin, this event is both a celebration and a movement to elevate emerging and established designers.