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Ebony Fashion Fair packs potent punch with debut of 'Power of Color' for 38th annual season - fashion show

EBONY Fashion Fair's The Power of Color packed a potent punch when the world's largest traveling fashion show recently kicked off its 38th annual tour before a standing-room-only crowd in Matteson, IL.

Hosted by the Joliet (IL) Area Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The Power of Color was the hottest ticket in town as patrons jammed into the Sycamore Ballroom of the Holiday Inn on the outskirts of Chicago for the recent season premiere. Proceeds from the gala event will go to benefit the sorority's favorite charities and a scholarship fund.

Those attending the debut were knocked off their feet by the electrifying hues and dynamic designs that make up this year's collection. Whether you're into vibrant shades of red, orange or yellow or prefer the softer tones of pastel blues, pinks and greens, this collection has the ability to transform, making the ordinary extraordinary and the mundane magnificent.

Mrs. Eunice W. Johnson, EBONY Fashion Fair producer-director, is on the cutting edge of the latest trends in the fashion industry. She has assembled this year's collection after reviewing and hand picking creations from the world's best known designers from the U.S. and abroad such as Bill Blass, Carolina Herrera, Kemarol Gianni Versace, Laura Biagiotti, Claude Montana, Paco Rabanne and Bruce Oldfield.

Colorful attire seems to give an inner glow that radiates through to the surface," Mrs. Johnson said. While colorful attire appears to have the power to boost spirits, build confidence and alter the way others look at us, "Few people can visualize the strength that radiates from colorful clothes," she added.

But those who recently attended The Power of Color kick off witnessed firsthand how turning up the volume on your shades have quite an impact. Shades of green run the gamut from aquamarine to neon, reds go from the fire engine variety to the deepest burgundy. Iridescent pinks and blues and multicolored prints add sparkle and pizzazz to any design. Pastel shades of lavender, peach and green prove even the softest tints can be just as powerful as they are pretty.

Recreational, office and formal attire in a spectrum of colors gives a glimpse of what is at the forefront of the fashion world for fall/winter '95-96. Leggings topped with oversized jackets and kicky boots are great for an autumn outing. A multicolored jacket, slacks and matching hat for him and her are great for the couple on the move. For the career woman, there are dresses, suits and skirts topped off with silk blouses and a host of accessories to help her put her best foot forward in the business world.

For formal affairs, The Power of Color has enough bugle beads, sequins and lurex to light up the night. Or for a quiet evening entertaining at home, there are flowing gowns and palazzo pants in an eclectic mix of hues. Some of the designs featured in the show are right out of the pages of E Style catalog, a joint venture between EBONY and Spiegel, which features clothes and accessories designed with the Black woman in mind.

The troupe of EBONY Fashion Fair models will bring these fabulous creations in exhilarating colors to 185 cities during this year's tour.