Joy Bivins is the curator of the Chicago History Museum. | Richard A. Chapman~Sun-Times Media

Emanuel Ungaro (France), bridal gown, haute couture, fall-winter 1996–97: Part of the new Chicago History Museum exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair." | Chicago History Museum photo

Chicago History Museum curator Joy Bivins shows off the new "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" exhibit, which features evening gowns. | Richard A. Chapman~Sun-Times Media

Valentino Garavani (Italy), evening dress and stole, Alta Moda, fall-winter 1974–75: Part of the new Chicago History Museum exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair." | Chicago History Museum photo

Louis Feraud (France), "Frivole" evening coat dress, haute couture, fall-winter 1997–98: Part of the new Chicago History Museum exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair." | Chicago History Museum photo

Christian Dior (France), evening ensemble, haute couture, fall-winter 1968–69: Part of the new Chicago History Museum exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair." | Chicago History Museum photo

"Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" is on display at the Chicago History Museum through Jan. 5. | Chicago History Museum photo

The Chicago History Museum recently unveiled the "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" exhibit. | Chicago History Museum photo

"Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair" is on display at the Chicago History Museum. | Chicago History Museum photo

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

Valentino (Italy), cocktail ensemble, Alta Moda, fall-winter 1978–79: Part of the new Chicago History Museum exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair." | Chicago History Museum photo

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

Henry Jackson (United States), ball gown, special order, 2005: Part of the new Chicago History Museum exhibit "Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair." | Chicago History Museum photo