The Field Museum connects visitors to the natural world, history and the human story. For example, providing an area that is called “Connecting Threads” which focuses on African Fashion.
“The project timeline was around 10-12 months,” Morgan Clark, who oversaw the fashion exhibition, said when describing what went into putting together this exhibit.
Connecting Threads provides a space for Chicago designers to share their creative pieces inspired by their culture. The exhibition was developed by working with two local collaborators, Melody Boykin, creator of Black Fashion Week USA, and Jennifer Akese-Burney, a Ghanaian-born designer in the Chicagoland area.
Behind the designs of Connecting Threads was Akese-Burney, chosen as a collaborator for Connecting Threads in late 2023. Akese-Burney’s designs connect global traditions with local creativity through garments, jewelry and textiles.
“Fashion is more than clothing,” Clark said. “Though Chicago’s African design scene is vibrant, living and dynamic, it is also rooted in culture, history and community.”
Not only have the designs that are displayed in the exhibition seen as creative pieces, but also pieces that share a story. Different stories that all connect to embracing cultural identity. As well as allowing visitors from the Field Museum to learn about the African culture by the traditional wedding dresses and jewelry.
“It sparks interest in people who like art and fashion,” Clark said. “While teaching them about African history and culture. It can also inspire young visitors to create art inspired by their identities, learn about different cultures or learn more about their own African Heritage.”
Overall, the Field Museum has been able to provide a space for visitors to connect the natural world and the human story like the exhibition of Connecting Threads. An exhibition that highlights local Chicago designers’ creative pieces that are inspired by their African Heritage. This part of the Field Museum is an important way for visitors to learn about a culture. The Connecting Threads exhibition closes March 1, 2026.
