Ebony Fashion Fair Shows That Contributing To The Community Is Just Their Style -- A Rich Tradition

Style, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. But sometimes the style and beauty are so dazzling that onlookers feel beholden. Such is the reputation of the Ebony Fashion Fair: a 33-year-old celebration of contemporary African-American energy, beauty and grace featuring stylishly attired models strutting in designer clothing.

"African Americans have always been fashionable," said Robert Fentress, production coordinator for the Ebony show. "We have been trendsetters in fashion for years. And we have some black designers in the show and their work is outstanding." These designers include Fabrice; Lenora; Levon; Rufus Barkley; Linda Stokes; Kemaro; James McQuay, a New York furrier.

The Ebony Fashion Fair, titled "Freedom Explosion," will stop at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre for one night Saturday. The two-hour show begins at 8 p.m.

But it's not only the breathtaking elegance of the show itself for which the audience is beholden. This show has a rich tradition of providing entertainment so that others less fortunate might fulfill the promise of their own lives.

Since its inception in New Orleans 33 years ago, when a small cadre of Ebony models performed to help raise money for the Flint Goodrich Hospital auxiliary, the Ebony Fashion Fair has staged similar events across the country and world. The benefit wowed the audience and triggered requests for other performances across the country.

"That year eight benefits were performed," Fentress said.

Thirty-three years later, the show performs in almost 200 cities across the United States and raises thousands of dollars each year for the needy and disenfranchised.

"The greatest thing it (the Ebony Fashion Show) has done is generate $34 million for charitable causes, like children's homes and hospital auxiliaries," Fentress said. "We select sponsors for some designated charities. But each city selects their own charity fund."

The Seattle branch of the National Council of Negro Women and local youth organizations will benefit again this year.

"It's a fund-raiser for us," said Laverne Hall, coordinator for the event in Seattle and a member of the local branch of the National Council of Negro Women, as well as the chairwoman for the Seattle Ebony Fashion Fair. "It has been a fund-raiser for us since about 1969. We've raised thousands of dollars as a result."

The proceeds traditionally have been used to support youth groups, food banks and scholarship programs. This year, Hall said, is no different.

"The proceeds will go to the East Madison YMCA Black Achievers Programs, a local youth agency," Hall said.

But while the show is for a good cause, Fentress emphasized that the Ebony Fashion Fair is also very entertaining.

Approximately 12 models - including two males - are in this year's show. They will be adorned in clothing from leading fashion designers such as Yves St. Laurent, Bob Mackie and Nina Ricci.

"Some of these gowns are showpieces," he said. "We also have scenes from lounge wear and swimwear. But the highlight will be the ballroom gowns and formal wear . . . with original garments that are not seen anywhere else in the world."

Tickets are $25 or $35 and can be purchased at Blackbird Books, 3130 E. Madison St., or Pizazz Travel, 300 14th Ave. S.

With each ticket the individual is entitled to receive a one-year subscription to Ebony or Ebony Man, or a six-month subscription to Jet, Hall said.