A salute to the fashion world: a message from the president & CEO

For most of my life--going back to my preteen years--the world of fashion has been a part of me. It has intrigued me, thrilled me and sometimes challenged me, but it has always given me a degree of sustained pleasure that can't be denied. The colors, the fabrics, the styles, the designers, the flair and the models are all a part of a unique industry that is exciting, entertaining and enthralling.

My initiation into this love affair came in a very special way and through a very special door, the Ebony Fashion Fair, which is the world's premier traveling fashion show that's under the guidance of my mother, Eunice W. Johnson, the show's director and producer.

As I grew up, I literally cultivated my fashion sense at my mother's side, watching her every move and gaining some invaluable insight into the business of fashion. Eventually, I became the show's Fashion coordinator, which required me to visit the top fashion houses in the U.S. and Europe to select haute couture.

In this historic issue, as part of an all-encompassing special section on fashion, we celebrate 50 incredible years of the Ebony Fashion Fair, highlighting milestones from its inception to the debut of this year's tour, which will continue the tradition of glamour and elegance while raising money for charity. Since its beginning, the show has raised more than $55 million for charity and scholarship Rinds, allowing thousands of young people the opportunity to further their education in college.

This 58-page special section, developed by EBONY creative director Harriette Cole, is perhaps the largest and most in-depth presentation on Blacks in the fashion industry. In addition to celebrating Ebony Fashion Fair, the section includes a number of top contributors you know and many others we will introduce to you. For instance, Andre Leon Talley is one of the most respected individuals in the entire fashion industry, and Audrey Smaltz, a former fashion coordinator and commentator for Ebony Fashion Fair, is currently head of the Ground Crew, a backstage management group that staffs fashion shows.

There are many more who share the spotlight on these pages, but to set the tone for this historic presentation, we gathered some of the most high-powered individuals to pose for the cover, including Iman, Tyra Banks, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek.

There is so much more to the fashion world than what you see on the runways or in stores. The presentations are the result of the unparalleled preparation, dedication and determination of many people, including designers, hair stylists, fashion stylists, photographers, makeup artists, creative directors and crew members. And there is no question that the industry would not be what it is today if it were not for the many talented Black people who exhibit their remarkable expertise from day to day.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning