Chicago Designers Take Center Stage in New Connecting Threads Africa Fashion In Chicago Exhibit

     There’s just something that stands out about Chicago brands. We think it’s the diversity, uniqueness, and quality of the fashion made and distributed locally that makes it easy for fashionistas to peruse the windy city in the best Chicago-made clothing. While there are thousands of choice brands that make this statement true, we would like to spotlight a few of them, which include Akese Style lines, Anzhelika Crochet, Atelier by Stephane St. Jaymes, Dream Designs, Dressmaker by Olivia, and Khoi.

Each of these brands mentioned are a beacon of the African diaspora fashion, which is why they are featured in the new exhibit, “Connecting Threads: Africa Fashion In Chicago” now open at the Field Museum through March 2026.

For tickets and more info please visit this link here
Connecting Threads—Africa Fashion in Chicago – Field Museum

     As the talented co-curator and designer of the Transformation Collection which is featured in the Field Museum’s New Connecting Threads Africa Fashion in Chicago exhibit, Jennifer Akeses of Akese Stylelines has forged a reputation of producing unique pieces with focus on fit, color, print and blending African designs with Western fabrics to create unique showpieces that play with traditional silhouettes and whimsical details. Our co-curator has produced jaw-dropping fashion based on the Museum’s ancient African artifacts. You are going to want to get in the room.

     From mittens to crochet tops Anzhelika Crochet by Patricia Ghonda Zhola has served the Chicago community through crafty and cute crochets for the whole family. Anzhelika Crochet is your go-to Etsy outlet for knitted goods! Not to mention it’s black-owned. We are proud to showcase this designer’s work in the exhibit.

     Quality couture is not easy to produce but designer, Stephane St. Jaymes makes it appear so. From sketch to runway, Stephane St. Jaymes is a wizard with dynamic bespoken garments that tell a rich story but leave much to the imagination.

     Dressmaker by Olivia is the brand of Columbia College Chicago alum and gown merchant, Olivia Ogbara. Olivia’s most notable designs are her fabulous prom dresses that have changed the game of dying for formal evening wear.

      Khoi is the sophisticated jewelry atelier of Hayet Rida. By following the popular mantra “see a need, fill a need” Hayet has honored and platformed her Ghanaian roots by creating one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and “sculptural accessories.”

     It’s been 40 years since Chicago native and fashion maven Joyce Boykin stepped onto the scene. Her experience and malleability in this ever-changing industry is a testament to her fun and feminine pieces.

     Each of these brands mentioned are beacon of African diaspora fashion, which is why they were selected to be featured in the “Connecting Threads: Africa Fashion In Chicago” exhibit now open at the field museum through March 2026.