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One of the great things about being a blogger or my preferred new term-an influencer- is the opportunity to attend wonderful events and interview interesting people. On Friday October 17th I had such an opportunity when I attended the media preview of “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair”. This exhibit is currently featured at MODA-Museum of Design Atlanta.
Things to do in Atlanta: Visit the 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair
When I first received notification of this exhibit I was beyond excited. The Ebony Fashion Fair is a historic piece of African-America culture. Ebony Fashion Fair was started by the late Eunice Johnson who with her husband founded Johnson Publishing Company and the popular Ebony beauty magazine. It was also called “Ebony Traveling Fashion Fair” since it was a fashion show on the move even traveling abroad between 1958 through 2009. The show broke down many barriers including showcasing African-American models, shut out from popular runway shows, in sought after designer clothing such as Valentino, Givenchy and Oscar de la Renta.
For generations of African-Americans the Ebony Fashion Fair was an event not to be missed. Women especially would put on their fanciest clothes and buy tickets to this glamorous event. The Fashion Fair ended in 2009 due to the death of Mrs.Eunice Johnson. Left behind were many pieces of iconic designer clothing which was the inspiration for the exhibit. It premiered in Chicago in March 2013 and ran until May 2014.
I spoke to the executive director of MODA-Laura Flusche- about bringing the exhibit here to Atlanta. Ebony Fashion Fair came to Atlanta for 50 years so she felt there was no better place in the South to hold the exhibit. She spoke of how remarkable and visionary Mrs. Johnson was. She shared with me that the life like mannequins were all made specifically for this exhibit to best showcase the clothing. Of all the things to do in Atlanta, add this to your list.
So what should you expect from this ebony beauty exhibit? There are walls of historic photos and newspaper articles as well as quotes about the Fashion Fair and Mrs.Johnson. I enjoyed the screens that showed real footage of the fashion shows. And of course there are rooms filled with exquisite timeless pieces of fashion from top designers. You can also share your memories and experiences of the Ebony Fashion Fair at tablets located along a wall in the exhibit.
For more information please visit the MODA website. “Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair” runs through January 4, 2015. Don’t miss it! Here’s a special hotel deal for you to save on accommodations in Atlanta.
The Sophisticated Life wants to know-did you attend an Ebony Fashion Fair show? If so share your thoughts with us!
Be sure to read more about the Arts & Culture from The Sophisticated Life by clicking here. Check out other things to do in Atlanta with the following blog posts:
The Best Restaurants in Atlanta
Groupon Deals! Things to do in Atlanta
Instagram Worthy Reasons to Visit Atlanta in the Fall
Atlanta Staycation: Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel
Horizon Theatre – Atlanta Date Night
Zoo Atlanta’s Sippin’ Safari Event
N.S.W.
Gorgeous fashion! I am so happy you featured this. I would have never seen it. Shared.
Thank you! And thx for sharing!
I would of love to check out this exhibit. The fashion is fabulous!
Yes isn’t it? If you come to Atlanta by January you should definitely check it out!
After reading this post, I am highly intrigued to see what the exhibit has to offer! Enjoy a restful weekend, Nadeen 🙂
Thank you! I hope you get to see the exhibit!
Great post, I’ll be spending a couple of days in Atlanta soon and really trying to work out how to spend my time there… it’s my first visit. Look forward to checking this out if I get the chance!
I know you will enjoy Atlanta! There is so much to see and to do!
WOW talk about a fashion show, its amazing when you look back from all the clothing wear how some items have changed and some are coming back into style.. I would have been so excited going to something like that.. Thanks for share
Thank you Dorothy! And you are right-fashion and style often makes a full circle.
Awsome blog i love it
Thank you!!
awesome and astonishing African Attire