Chicago History Museum curator Joy Bivins gives a sneak preview tour of the new Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit, featuring evening gowns, on Thursday, March 7, 2013. | Richard A. Chapman~Sun-Times

Emanuel Ungaro (France), Bridal gown, Haute couture, fall/winter 1996–97. Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Chicago History Museum curator Joy Bivins gives a sneak preview tour of the new Ebony Fashion Fair exhibit, featuring evening gowns, on Thursday, March 7, 2013. | Richard A. Chapman~Sun-Times

Valentino Garavani (Italy), evening dress and stole; Alta moda, fall/winter 1974–75. Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Louis Feraud (France), “Frivole” evening coat dress; Haute couture, fall/winter 1997–98. Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Christian Dior (France), evening ensemble, Haute couture, fall/winter 1968–69. Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Oscar de la Renta (United States), evening gown and coat, ready-to-wear, fall/winter 2002–03. Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Valentino (Italy), cocktail ensemble, alta moda, fall/winter 1978–79. Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Christian Dior (France), evening ensemble, ready-to-wear, fall/winter 1998–99. Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

Henry Jackson (United States), ball gown, special order, 2005. Part of the new exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" at the Chicago History Museum. | COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM