It Began like this

The fashion extravaganza made history and established itself as the world's largest traveling fashion show-the only one of its kind, Black or White. The Ebony Fashion Fair premiered creation by the world's biggest designers, but also made big stars out of some of its models.

Here is the story of how it began: It all started in 1956, when the idea for the Ebony Fashion Fair tour was conceived. In an effort to support a worthy cause, Mrs. Jessie Covington Dent, wife of Dr. Albert W. Dent, former president emeritus of Dillard University in New Orleans, approached Mr. John H. Johnson to sponsor a mini-fashion show fund-raiser for the Women's Auxiliary of Flint-Goodrich hospital in New Orleans. Leadership at Johnson Publishing was apprehensive about sending its lineup of professional models from EBONY, to a college-produced fashion show, but still wanting to help, John H. Johnson offered to supply the wardrobe for the show. The first show was such a success, that Mr. Johnson, in consultation with Mrs. Johnson, decided to take it on a cross-country tour to benefit other worthy charities. Each ticket purchased, would come with a subscription to either EBONY or JET, and in 1956, the first Ebony Fashion Fair show, produced by Johnson Publishing Company, was born.

Johnson Publishing was established on the premise of celebrating and uplifting African- Americans. The Ebony Fashion Fair, was a traveling show ended up visiting up to 200 cities per year over the course of its 51-year lifetime. Beautiful Black models, all handpicked by Mr. & Mrs. Johnson, showcased the looks of designers of color including, Barbara Bates, Stephen Burrows, Patrick Kelly, Willi Smith, Quinton de Alexander and L’Amour. Shows also featured haute couture icons such as, Yves St. Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Emanuel Ungaro, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino and Givenchy. 

The tradition that started with the first show at Dillard University, was kept intact: 

Portion of the proceeds were donated to charity. Over the lifetime of the production, more than $150 million was raised from the show for nonprofit organizations, scholarships, schools and hospitals.

                         THE SHOW TIMELINE 1958-2009

• 1958  Ebony Fashion Fair Around The Clock
• 1959  Fashions Around The World
• 1960  Symphony In Fashions
• 1961  Ebony Fashion Fair International 
• 1962  An Oriental Flair
• 1963  Ebony Fashion Fair Americana
• 1964  A Spanish Flair
• 1965  Fashions In Orbit
• 1966  Colorballo
• 1967  Fashion Rebellion
• 1968  Fashion Freedom
• 1969  The Flapper Returns with Soul
• 1970  The Liberated Look
• 1971  What's Goin' On
• 1972  A Way To Look
• 1973  The Mood Of Luxury
• 1974  The Big Whirl Of Fashion 
• 1975  The Natural Feeling
• 1976  The Care-Free Life
• 1977  The Body Attitude
• 1978  Back To Glamour
• 1979  Color Explosion
• 1980  The Free Spirit
• 1981  The Look Of Elegance
• 1982  The Mood of Romance
• 1983  Fashion Extravaganza
• 1984  Color Fantasy
• 1985  Body Language
• 1986  Fashion Scandal
• 1987  Fashion Sizzle
• 1988  Fashion Seduction
• 1989  Fashion Magic
• 1990  Freedom Explosion
• 1991  Fashion With Passion
• 1992  Living the Fantasy
• 1993  The Rapture Of Fashion
• 1994  The Shining Hour Of Fashion
• 1995  The Power Of Color
• 1996  The Great Fashion Mix
• 1997  The Jazz Age Of Fashion
• 1998  Fashions to Love
• 1999  Fashions 2000
• 2000  Fashion Sensation
• 2001  The Changing Trends Of Fashion
• 2002  Simply Spectacular
• 2003  Color Splash
• 2004  Living It Up
• 2005  Fit To be Fabulous
• 2006  Stylishly Hot
• 2007  Glam Odyssey: A Fashion Journey Into Bliss & Beyond
• 2008  The Runway Report What's Hip, What's Hot, What's Now!