EBONY Fashion Fair: Fit To Be Fabulous

Jet, Oct 3, 2005

2005/2006 Debuts In Tinley Park, IL; Makes Way To Schaumburg, IL, And Milwaukee

The 48th season of the EBONY Fashion Fair got underway in Tinley Park, IL, with a new look for its showing of "Fit To Be Fabulous." Fashion patrons were treated to a first-class show that introduced the new softled drape system with colorful fiber optic lighting that kept in sync with the music.

The audience sat on the edge of its seat as the high-stepping troupe of models strutted the runway in luxurious designs from world-famous American and European designers.

Breathtaking creations were also featured by Japanese designer Issey Miyake, Canadian designer Jean Crisan, German designer Ella Singh and Indian designers Jamil Khansa and Nakulse N.

Designs were showcased that fit just about every occasion. Whether it was casual chic or evening elegance, the EBONY Fashion Fair covered the spectrum.

The fellas didn't feel left out. Male models showed the guys how to spice up their wardrobe this season with bold colors and nontraditional patterns.

The first show took place at the Tinley Park Convention Center and was sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter (J.A.S.S.A.C). The organization has sponsored the premier show since 1975.

The J.A.S.S.A.C. not only provides scholarships for students, but also contributes time and monetary awards to community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and PADS.

The Schaumburg, IL, show was sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was held at The Seville. The Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Chapter of the sorority presented the show, which benefited the Profit Through Knowledge Scholarship Fund.

The Milwaukee show was sponsored by the Cream City Chapter of the Links, Inc. and was held at the Pabst Theater. It benefited the Scholarship Fund.

Every ticket includes a choice of a one-year subscription to EBONY Magazine or six-month subscription to Jet Magazine and chances to win round-trip air transportation for two to any destination served by American Airlines or American Eagle in the domestic U.S. 48 states, a 2006 Ford Explorer and selected items from Fashion Fair Cosmetics, the No. 1 cosmetics company in the world for women of color. For ticket information, go to www.ebonyfashionfair.com.

Model Andrea Keesee, commentator Jada Collins and model Tonya Dolphin dance their way through the opening scene at the 48th annual EBONY Fashion Fair. The ladies are wearing beaded fringe hem tunics that can be worn alone, with pants or with a long skirt created by Laura Biagiotti and Alberto Makali, Milan.

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A ruffled cuff yellow jacket with an oversize Lynx Shawl collar designed by Carolina Herrera, New York, is modeled by Marcella Smith. The outfit is accessorized with a Fedora hat and Coach purse.

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Renadda Wiggins is stunning in a Renato Balestra, Rome, sweetheart bodice gown with colorful tiers embroidered with a beaded floral motif.

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Ebony Miller wears a golden silk velvet three-piece evening ensemble trimmed in dyed-to-match fox designed by Mario Borsato, Milan.

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Tonya Dolphin models a wool cashmere overcoat adorned with red fox and matching red fox envelope hat from Black designer Patrick Robertson for Paco Rabanne, Paris.

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Aleyciuss Al-Ali models a tiered column gown in a rust to powder blue ombre with a jeweled necklace anchor from Black designer Henry Jackson for Gallery of Wearable Art. For the young crowd, Andrea Keesee models a Lorenzo Riva, Milan, large plaid check baby doll dress with a ribbon-bowed empire waistline and matching taffeta stole.

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Yanique Moore is casually chic in cigarette leg pants worn with a zig-zag pattern cowl neck knit tunic with stole and skull cap from Missoni Sport, Milan. Above right, Robert Griffin looks terrific in a stripe knit cardigan jacket with rib knit shawl collar worn with a v-neck knit vest from Laura Biagiotti, Milan. Monica Pharaoh turns heads in this faux alligator pant suit worn with a beaded and feathered camisole from Roberta Scarpa, Italy.

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Carmen Currie models a faux fur hooded parka with bell sleeves and matching fur purse designed by Mark Bouwer, New York. Angelica Jones wows the audience in a patchwork suit of pink satin and red velvet designed by Christian Lacroix, Paris, with a wide brim feather hat from Kokin Hats, New York.

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Justin Brown models Laura Biagiotti, Milan's belted cable knit cardigan sweater and herringbone check pant with matching check hat.

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American Airlines/ American Eagle trip-for-two prizewinner Gloria Johnson is congratulated by Barbara Powell, ticket chairperson, Gale Baker, general chairperson, and Tracy Bradley, president of the Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., during the Tinley Park, IL, show at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

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