`Simply Spectacular' 2002-2003 makes stunning premiere in Tinley Park, IL

Jet, Sept 30, 2002

It was an evening to remember when Ebony Fashion Fair's Simply Spectacular began its 45th season in Tinley Park, IL.

The sold-out show, held at the Tinley Park Holiday Inn & Convention Center, left the audience oohing and ahhing at the you-have-to-see-them-to-believe-them creations from some of the world's biggest names in the fashion world.

Mrs. Eunice W. Johnson, Ebony Fashion Fair producer-director, has once again utilized her exquisite taste in fashion by bringing audiences designs from American, Italian, French and British designers and a Japanese designer this year. Also, more Black designers than ever are featured with the likes of B. Michael, L'Amour, Quinton de Alexander and Beulah Cooli, to name a few.

Peek-a-boo creations made fashion patrons do double takes while side-bearing gowns made the sell-out crowd blush. Male patrons made note of the fashions worn by the two handsome and debonair male models who strutted the runway in designs so polished they would make any man give Denzel Washington a run for the money!

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. sponsored the event, which benefited the Scholarship Fund.

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Caption: Commentator Jada Jackson wows the audience in this black lace gown designed by Marc Bouwer, New York.

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Caption: A transparent evening gown of bronzed denim and a matching coat by Black designer Beulah Cooli of Detroit left the crowd speechless when Rebecca Briscoe hit the runway.

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Caption: Valerie Jones was red hot in this sexy satin gown with ruffles designed by Marc Bouwer, New York. This sassy ruffled poncho over a back-tied skirt designed by Stephan Janson, Milan, was a hit on Deonna Pinkerton.

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Caption: Toni Brister keeps cool in this fur vest over sequined jacket and pants from Valentino, Paris. Ashley Buckhalter wears a red sequined ensemble designed by Christian Lacroix, Paris.

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Caption: Dazzling was the best way to describe the vibrant print ensemble with matching boots modeled by Victoria Bowers.

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Caption: Vonyee Greenhill was a knockout in this strapless dress by Christian Lacroix, Paris.

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Caption: Tinika Hampton was chic in this bronze sequined blouse under striped jacket with fur sleeves and striped pants designed by Erreuno, Milan.

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Caption: Carmen Ardoin wears a red leather and wool outfit from Thierry Mugler, Paris.

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Caption: Full figured model Verna Starling was fabulous in this gorgeous sequined gown with a fur-trimmed coat from Jovani, New York.

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Caption: Ronnel Blackmon was a dapper gent in a fine Vivienne Westwood, London, blue double-breasted coat with a matching hat.

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Caption: Tiesha Wimbish models a black and white fur coat over print dress from Sun Moon, Japan. Rodney High was smooth and cool in this natural yarn woven coat over a suave suit from Laura Biagiotti, Milan.

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Caption: Jeadenia Wilder (c), winner of the American Airlines/American Eagle trip for two to any of the 48 contiguous states served by the airline, is congratulated by Juanita Floyd, president of the Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Barbara Powell, general chairperson.

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Caption: Floyd and Powell are joined by fellow committee members (l-r) Roslyn Matthews, publicity chairperson, Gale Baker, co-chairperson and Alice Zeigler, ticket chairperson. The hard work of the committee and 164 sorors of the Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter paid off with a sold-out show.