Fair Park Administration Newsletter Spring 2009
Dressed to make sensational news.
Ebony Fashion Fair links hottest looks to scholarships, services for youth through seniors.
Sleek, sassy and oh so stylish. That’s “The Runway Report 2008-2009,” otherwise known as the 51st annual Ebony Fashion Fair. The world’s largest traveling fashion show will strut its stuff on Sunday, March 15 inside the Music Hall at Fair Park, starting at 5 p.m.
This is not just any couture event. The Ebony Fashion Fair is the premier fundraiser for the Dallas chapter of The Links, Inc., one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations for women of color in Dallas as well as nationwide. The event raises more than $500,000 annually to provide scholarships to promising Dallas students, and vital services to senior citizens. For example, The Links assists young people who have “aged out” (turned 18) of foster care with counseling and job skills training. According to Dr. Yvonne Robinson, General Chairperson of the Ebony Fashion Fair fundraiser for the Dallas chapter of the Links, Inc., “Our main areas of focus are the Arts, Services to Youth, National Trends (healthcare and helping the elderly), and International Trends that assist those of African descent around the globe.” Nationwide, more than 180 hosts in 196 cities have raised over $34 million for various causes through the Ebony Fashion Fair over the past 51 years.
More extravaganza than runway.
The designers showcased are among the world’s A-listers, including Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Vivienne Westwood, Issaye Miyake and Chloe. Both gals and guys are models, gorgeously choreographed as they move within fashion vignettes. The show is centered around a theme rather than just models walking down a runway. This year, the operative word is “Newscast.”
“We’re thrilled to be holding the Ebony Fashion Fair at the Music Hall, as we have done many times in the past,” says Dr. Robinson. “It’s such a great fit for us: a magnificently versatile stage, just the right lighting and abundant seating for 3,400 people.” Every ticket—ranging from $30-$50—includes a subscription to Ebony or Jet magazines, as well as a chance to win roundtrip airfare to anywhere American Airlines flies.
The Runway Report 2008-2009” promises headline-grabbing fashions. So why go to Paris, Milan or New York when the most celebrated international designer creations will come right to Dallas! Be sure to catch the dazzling Ebony Fashion Fair, hosted by The Links, Inc. and sponsored by Ebony, Jet, American Airlines, and Luster’s Pink.
Tickets are available at Star Tickets, 800-585-3737. For more information, contact Ms. Robinson at 214-375-8136.