Ebony Fashion Fair to return to city

A rare evening of extravagance, style and sophistication will return to Tallahassee during the 47th Annual Ebony Fashion Fair.

The event, which is usually held at FAMU, will be appearing at The Moon, Tuesday at 8 p.m.

Known as the world’s largest traveling show, the Ebony Fashion Fair traditionally comes to FAMU’s campus to showcase new creations from top designers.

Last year, however, the show broke from its tradition and FAMU was not included on its tour list.

According to Vernell McCray, general chairperson for Charmettes, Inc of Tallahassee and sponsors of the Ebony Fashion Show, the show was cancelled last year because there was no facility to have it in.

This year, Ebony Fashion Fair is back with a performance promising to make up for its absence.

The theme for this year’s show is “Living It Up.”

“We are excited about hosting the show again,” McCray said.

“All of you were concerned about the show not returning can support this year;s show by giving a ticket as gift to your loved ones and, by doing so, you’ll also be supporting a scholarship.”

McCray said the show was cancelled last year because there was not a facility to have the show in.

Despite the brief hiatus, show organizers are looking forward to a good turnout this year.

“My goal is to have a sold-out show to get rid of every ticket,” said Eva Wanton, chairperson of ticket sales.

For 47 years, the Ebony Fashion Show has traveled around the world making stops in London, the Caribbean and Jamaica.

The show has earned a reputation for being the only one of its kind and staging some of the best designs in high fashion.

Known for its flamboyant style and colorful performances, The 2005 Ebony Fashion Fair is expected to continue to impress patrons with designs from Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta and Christain LaCroix.

Students are invited to come out to the show. Some students are looking forward to seeing this much talked about act.

Rebecca Wilkerson, 20, a junior theatre performance student from Miami said she is anxious to see the performance.

“I heard the models wear nice clothes that will interest us college students,” she said.

Ticket holders not only get a seat to a once a year extravaganza, but it also gives them either a six-month subscription to Jet or a one-year subscription to Ebony.

Wanton said she hopes that people beyond the University come to support the show.

Tickets are available at Economy Drugs, E Studio Hair Salon, Whesport Boutique and Mary’s Custom Alterations.

For more information, contact Eva Wanton at 893-3878.

Contact Tiffany Pitts at pittstiffany@hotmail.com.