Juneteenth is a federal holiday that is celebrated annually in the United States on June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday’s name, first used in the 1890s, is a portmanteau of the words “June” and “nineteenth”, referring to June 19, 1865, the day when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War.
The day was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, when the 117th U.S. Congress enacted and President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted in 1983.
This holiday is considered the “longest-running African-American holiday” and has been called “America’s second Independence Day”.
Chicago’s African fashion scene hits the runway this Juneteenth Black Fashion Week USA is proud to co present Chicago’s Africa Fashion on the runway Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the field museum.
In partnership with Akese Stylelines and Black Fashion Week USA, the Field Museum is hosting a fashion show celebrating the Africa Fashion and Connecting Threads exhibitions.
The diversity in the creativity of Chicago designers in Chicago is a welcome opportunity for everyone. Plan to come out Juneteenth to see mesmerizing designs by 5 talented designers.
The first designer presenting is Stephane St. Jaymes, who is known for designing garments that fit into existing wardrobes and cause head turning attention. His garments reflect his love of detail.
Inspired by the vibrant exhibitions Africa Fashion and its companion show Connecting Threads: Africa Fashion in Chicago, this event highlights stunning original pieces by local designers, including Stephane St. Jaymes, My Obioma, and more. The fashion show includes a live DJ performance and audience giveaways. The fashion show is presented by the Field Museum, Black Fashion Week USA, and Akese Stylelines.
The event is hosted by Emmy-winning journalist, multiplatform creator, and media host Samantha Lapkin and IHeartMedia’s Trey White. This event is included with basic admission.
ABOUT THE FIELD MUSEUM
The Field Museum is a forward-thinking scientific leader on a mission to connect all of us to the natural world and the human story. Founded in 1893, the Field takes part in ground-breaking research all over the world while maintaining one of the world’s largest collections of cultural items and specimens, used to inspire discovery, spark public engagement with science, and uncover solutions for a better world. To share its scientific and educational mission, the Field welcomes 1.3 million visitors every year. For more information, visit us at fieldmuseum.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
ABOUT AKESE STYLELINES
Born and raised in Ghana and currently based in Chicago, Jennifer Akese-Burney started Akese Stylelines in 2012 to capture the vibrancy and color of the popular ankara tradition while offering a modern twist to traditional western silhouettes. She is a co-collaborator of Connecting Threads, and her work is featured in the exhibition.
ABOUT BLACK FASHION WEEK | USA
Black Fashion Week | USA is not just another fashion runway event, it is a movement that raises awareness via public relations and increases the economic social empowerment of emerging and established designers. Its mission is to expose the talent and help increase the socioeconomic empowerment of minority African American designers via strategic alliances that foster brand development and exposure. Black Fashion Week | USA is featured in the Field Museum exhibition Connecting Threads: Africa Fashion in Chicago, co-curated by its founder Melody Boykin.
Splash Magazines
Be the first to comment