Select pieces of the historic couture clothing collection from Ebony Fashion Fair, assembled over 50 years by the late Eunice W. Johnson (Mrs. John H.) from the world’s largest traveling fashion show, are currently being auctioned online (www.leslie
Select pieces of the historic couture clothing collection from Ebony Fashion Fair, assembled over 50 years by the late Eunice W. Johnson (Mrs. John H.) from the world’s largest traveling fashion show, are currently being auctioned online (www.lesliehindman.com) at a preview tag sale through this Friday. Then on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m., a “live” auction will be held at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, 1338 W. Lake St., in Chicago.
Items are from the design houses of Chanel, Dior, Halston, Bill Blass, Givenechy, Valentino, Vivienne Westwood and countless others. The Ebony Fashion Fair, which raised over $55 million for African American charitable causes, was produced and directed by Mrs. Johnson, who traveled the world’s fashion capitals to find avant-garde designs to bring high fashion to Black American women, to give buyers additional opportunities to own a piece of this historic collection in keeping with her vision that high style belonged in the everyday lives of all women.
EFF guests were introduced to creations by world-renowned American, Italian, French, British and Japanese designers. Through the showcase, Mrs. Johnson spotlighted Black designers, including Stephen Burroughs, James Daughtery and B. Michael. It also launched the careers of many of top Black models and celebrities, such as Diahann Carroll, Pat Cleveland and Richard Roundtree.
“Through the show, my mother changed the way in which people from vastly diverse walks of life experienced fashion,” says Linda Johnson Rice, chair of Johnson Publishing Co., publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines and owner of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, a global cosmetics brand for people of color. “At the same time,” Rice continued, “she inspired Black women to experiment with fashion, embrace their beauty and challenge the conventions of what was considered chic. I am so pleased to make available items from this (original) 7,000-piece collection so that those who were inspired by the show and who love fashion can own a piece of fashion history.”
Media Mingle – Mix and mingle with our town’s media “stars,” sports and entertainment celebrities along with community movers and shakers as they reveal their exceptional “show-biz talents” on Oct. 29, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., at Media Masquerade & Karaoke Klassic hosted by Chicago/National Association of Black Journalists, at All-Stars Sports Bar & Grill, 205 W. Wacker. Among “performers” – CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker and Ryan Baker, NBC 5’s Art Norman, writer/pundit Kyra Kyles, ABC 7’s Karen Jordan, Fox 32’s Robin Robinson, Chicago Defender’s Kathy Chaney and “Teesee,” recording artist J. Hollins and several other highly visible media folks.
Prizes will be awarded for the most creative costume and for the most entertaining performance. Dress up or dress down (as you are so inspired!) and dig into delicious appetizers. Additionally, be among the first to try NABJ-Chicago drink specials, a.k.a. liquid courage (cash bar). Donation: $10 for NABJ members and $15 for the rest of y’all! Join us for a spooky fun evening of singing, dancing and good times all while “giving back” to our young folk! Proceeds support NABJ-Chicago Scholarship Fund.
Masquerade Magic – Norm Bolden, popular proprietor of Room 43 and Norman’s Bistro, has issued an invitational summons to a select cadre of friends and fans to don a mask and join him at a celebration of the first year anniversary of Norm’s Bistro, 1001 E. 43rd St., on Saturday, 8 p.m.-midnight. At the “by invitation only” Masquerade Soiree, guests will enjoy a delectable Chef Robert Blanchard buffet, sparkling champagne, guest deejay, non-stop dancing and live entertainment. Oh yeah! We’re there!
Money on the Draw! – Bill Lowry, special assistant to the president of The Chicago Community Trust, is special guest on Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., when Investing In Communities gives away $42,000 to other nonprofits in a random drawing at a reception celebrating the new Urban Partnership Bank branch and nonprofit financial center at 55 E. Jackson. Any nonprofit that has become an IIC Partner will be entered in the drawing of 15 cash prizes and a whopping top prize of $10,000! Call (773) 420-5136.
Three to Get Ready – Golden Globe-winning Regina Taylor, actress-playwright-director and Goodman Theatre artistic associate, picks up a distinguished Humanitarian Award; Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson receives special recognition honors and R&B sensation Terisa Griffin performs live – all this on Friday at Abraham Lincoln Centre’s Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel. ALC, headed by Zirl S. Smith, president-CEO, has served Chicago’s South Side communities for 106 years, providing much-needed social services to over 7,000 children and families each year at 13 program sites. Just some of ALC’s flagship programs include helping at-risk children and youth gain the education and skills necessary to succeed in life, supportive housing and social services for residents with disabilities and programs such as life skill initiatives for seniors and families.
Newsy Names – Happy b’day to Jasmine Allgood, Lola Jenkins, Ramonski Luv, Patrick Woodtar, Dori Wilson, Karen Jordan Farr, Jeri Wright, Fran Bell, Troi Tyler, Alan Krashesky, Michael Vargus, E. Dolores Register, Bobbie Steele, Lillie Cox, Scydonia Sam Walls, Kali Raoul, Howard Brookins Jr., Pippi Ardennia, Corlene Thomas, Tracye Smith, Rev. Paul Hobson Sadler, Ellen Harris Tucker, Darryl Matthews Sr., David Conrad, Bobby Hutton, Mary Sumter and Mary Brown … In time for Halloween, my pal and neighbor, L.V. Gray, “stars” in a made-in-Chicago horror mystery movie thriller, Sadistic, premiering Saturday, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., at Portage Theatre, 4050 N. Milwaukee. A college student is haunted by a masked killer wielding a giant pair of shears. Everyone’s a suspect! Everyone’s at risk! It’s a back-to-back double feature with Planet Dead … Tia Dantzler, celebrity makeup artist/beauty expert, whose work can be seen on the covers/pages of Vogue, Life, GQ, Essence and Glamour with noteworthy clients, President Barack Obama, Jennifer Hudson, Maxwell, Viola Davis, Magic Johnson, Kanye West, et al, presents a Beauty Elixir workshop on Nov. 6, 3 p.m., at Room 43. Included: a mini vendor expo, makeup demos, panels with the best in the industry, etc. For a schedule, call (866) 492-1544.
Mardi Gras Move – AKArama Foundation (of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority), led by Essie L. Kelly, president, hosts its annual Mardi Gras Glitz in Pink & Green on Oct. 29 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel. Dollars raised will support projects in the Foundation’s local, national and international communities. Festivities kick-off with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. The foundation’s mission: to promote community service through volunteerism and socially-conscious activiti
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