Annual fashion fair returns to Southern

As it has for nearly 50 years, the Ebony Fashion Fair modeling show will again take place in the state of Louisiana as an event to not only showcase glamour, but to also promote community attentiveness and support.
In it’s 49th year, the event will take place on Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. in the F. G. Clark Activity Center on the campus of Southern University.
Sponsored by the Gamma Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the event’s purpose is to promote and raise funds for scholarships for children and youth programs.
“Stylishly Hot” is the theme for this year’s show.
“The Ebony Fashion Fair show is a major fundraiser. We use the funds to support community project efforts,” said Beverly Wade, dean of the Honors College and president of the Gamma Eta Omega Chapter. “The monies raised are for the public and are returned to the public.”
This year’s show will feature 11 female and two male models, showcasing fashions from renowned clothing designers.
Wade said the event is important for all of those involved, socially as well as educationally and culturally.
“Of the past nine (shows), seven models have been from the sate of Louisiana and there are a growing number of males in the shows,” she said. “The event has had an impact in the area.”
Marian Griffin, Gamma Eta Omega member and general chairperson for the event, said the event is one of several chapter programs geared towards community awareness.
According to Griffin, the inception of the Ebony Fashion Fair event first took place in New Orleans at Dillard University. The President of the university, at the time, asked friend John H. Johnson, chairman and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, to hold a fashion show to raise funds for a local hospital.
“It is important to give back to the community,” Griffin said. “This is not all about fun and frolics.”
Ticket prices are $26 for Reserve, $25 General Admission and $21 for Students. All ticket prices include a choice of a one-year subscription to Ebony or a six-month subscription to Jet magazines.
Tickets can be purchased at 6207 Harding Boulevard at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated house.
For more information, call (225) 356-4717 or contact Marian Griffin at (225) 357-1201.