The exhibit, “Good as Gold: Fashioning Senegalese Women” at the NC Museum of Art is is the first major exhibition of Senegalese gold jewelry to date that focuses on the history of Senegal’s gold, from past to present, and the beauty and complexity of the way Senegalese women use ornament and fashion to present themselves. A key theme of the exhibition is the Senegalese concept of sañse (a Wolof word for dressing up or looking and feeling good). Good as Gold explores how a woman in a city like Dakar might use a piece of gold jewelry to build a carefully tailored, elegant fashion ensemble.

The exhibition also looks at the interconnectedness of local and global expressions and understanding of fashion. In addition to presenting nearly 120 works, the exhibition unveils an haute couture ensemble inspired by the strength and savoir faire of Senegalese women, designed by Oumou Sy—Senegal’s “Queen of Couture” and its most celebrated fashion designer.