
Leslie Heigh, Founder of SobeSavvy.com at Media Preview for Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair | North Carolina Museum of Art
A few days ago I attended a media preview for a brand new exhibit at North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh,NC and decided to dedicate a “Five for Friday” post sharing with you my 5 Reasons You Should Visit NCMA “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair” exhibition. The exhibit, which starts October 28, 2017 thru January 21, 2018, is the first Fashion exhibit at NCMA and is making its last stop here in Raleigh. You do not want to miss the opportunity to see an extraordinary level of creativity and innovation that this amazing exhibit shows and participate in the upcoming events. Here’s why:
- The HISTORY
The exhibition explores the 50-year history of the Ebony Fashion Fair (1958-2009), an unparelled charity fashion show event that redefined the concepts of beauty, style and empowerment for African Americans. Learn about the dynamic Eunice W. Johnson, who was determined to show fashion is for everyone and revolutionized how Black women are seen in the world of fashion.
Eunice Johnson at work, 1970, Photo courtesy of Johnson Publishing Company, LLC
- The FASHION
See 40 stunning ensembles by designers such as Pierre Cardin, Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Bob Mackie, Patrick Kelly, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and many more! The fashion selections from the exhibiton are innovative, glamourous, colorful,revealing, bold, sassy, dazzling and powerful works of art. To see the attention to detail up close is a beautiful sight to behold!
Emmanuel Ungaro, Bridal Gown, Haute couture, fall/winter 1996-97. Photograph by John Alderson, Chicago Historical Society
- The JOURNEY
Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair takes you on a journey thru five decades and explores “..the impact on African American identity, style, and success,” explains Jennifer Dasal, NCMA associate curator of contemporary art and co-curator of the exhibition. The traveling Ebony Fashion Fair grew out of the pages of Ebony magazine, which the exhibition includes archival photographs and memorabilia from both the magazine and fashion show.
- The MISSIONJust like the original fashion show that inspired the exhibition, this exhibition has been traveling around the country for the last 5 years. NCMA is the last and final venue, so this is your last chance to see it! Linda Dougherty, the NCMA’s chief curator and curator of contemporary art and exhibition co-curator says, “we hope that by hosting the exhibition, we continue the mission of positive change and community empowerment and encourage our visitors to rethink their own concepts of beauty.”
- The FUN
Trying on clothes can be fun but especially when it’s haute couture right?! Step into the Virtual Fitting Room, one of the in-gallery experiences, which allows you to have some high fashion fun. I jumped into a ready-to-wear Cocktail Dress designed by Fabrice and was ready to celebrate! Ebony Fashion Fair was a true agent of change and its legacy continues to inspire beauty. That in itself deserves to be appreciated and celebrated by everyone.
SobeSavvy Tip: In November, plan a Friday night group outing to the exhibition and save! Every Friday evening ( 11/3,11/10, 11/17, 11/24) Buy three tickets and get a fourth ticket free!
I hope you are inspired to go see this fabulous exhibit because I plan to tell everyone I know to go! Be sure to follow @SobeSavvy, @NCartmuseum and share your experience on social media using hashtag #NCMAebony. I am excited to attend Opening Night festivities tomorrow and will share some Fashion Show highlights with you. Stay tuned and remember to support the arts!
North Carolina Museum of Art
East Building
Meymandi Exhibition Gallery
October 28, 2017- January 21, 2018
I’m so excited for this exhibit! I’ve been looking forward to it for several weeks now, and I’m planning to make a trip of it in November!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Awesome! In November they have alot of events, especial on Fridays if you go as a group. Buy 3, get 4th ticket free! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
LikeLike
I really want to go to opening night, but I am traveling today. I will need to make it in something this coming week or the following. I love love love fashion, so I know I will appreciate this exhibit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky for us in the Triangle ot is here thru January. I definitely recommend you making plans to go. Safe travels!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
Wow, I love the history and the beauty of it all! Truly inspired to visit! Thanks for telling us about this jewel of an event!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comment. It is absolutely amazing and something you should go see sooner than later.
LikeLike
I love this post! You already know that I think this exhibit is absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to go back and spend more time there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This looks so fab! I will definitely try to make this exhibit before it leaves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I followed along with the evening on social media and it truly looks like a must see display.
LikeLiked by 1 person