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Story Hour with the Author of Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the EBONY Fashion Fair

  • Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) 1315 Peachtree Street Northeast Atlanta, GA, 30309 United States (map)

In-person at MODA | Ages 6+

Do you know a young designer with their sights set on fashion? It’s time they learn about an inspirational figure whose influence changed fashion forever!

Join us on May 11 for a special story hour with author Lisa D. Brathwaite, who will be reading from her new book, Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the EBONY Fashion Fair.

Young fashion lovers will be captivated by Brathwaite’s storytelling, and they’ll leave the museum knowing all about Eunice W. Johnson: EBONY magazine cofounder and creator of the EBONY Fashion Fair. They’ll even have the chance to take part in a mini runway walk!

After the reading, Brathwaite will visit with attendees young and not-so-young, and she’ll sign copies of Miles of Style, available for purchase in our DESIGN SHOP.

Cover Illustration by Lynn Gaines


Registration

Attending this event is free, but space is limited. Please reserve your seats through the button below.

Copies of Miles of Style will be available for purchase in MODA’s DESIGN SHOP. If you'd like to reserve a copy in advance, please contact Mary at maryk@museumofdesign.org.

  • Lisa D. Brathwaite, author of Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the EBONY Fashion Fair, believes in and celebrates creative self-expression. In her own demonstrations, she strives to delight the 8 year-old and 80 year-old versions of herself.

    The joy of reading and playing with words has made Lisa’s life rich. She was compelled to channel that joy, play and abundance into researching and writing Miles of Style. It was an opportunity to pay her own positive experiences forward and share the worlds of possibility that books and fashion represent. It was also a study in resilience.

    She hopes to encourage young (and not so young) readers to travel their own roads and blaze their own trails, just as Mrs. Johnson and those who participated in EBONY Fashion Fair modeled.

  • Eunice W. Johnson believed in the power of fashion and beauty to inspire people. After she and her husband, John H. Johnson, founded EBONY magazine, it quickly became the premiere lifestyle publication for mid-century Black readers. Among the many hats she wore, Eunice delighted in writing a fashion column describing the latest styles.

    In 1958, Eunice launched a project that would change fashion forever: the EBONY Fashion Fair. In towns and cities across the United States, Black models walked the runway in the freshest trends that season and Black attendees got to see people who looked like them in bright colors and haute couture.

    To make the Fashion Fair happen every year, Eunice negotiated with snobby fashion houses in Europe and navigated racism back home in the US, to acquire the most show-stopping styles for her show. Decades later, her name remains a watchword for glamour and elegance in the Black community.

    Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices award, Miles of Style celebrates a visionary who used her influence to showcase the strength and beauty of the Black community.

  • The Museum of Design Atlanta is conveniently located in the Midtown Arts District, right across the street from the Woodruff Arts Center at 1315 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309.

    MODA is located on the ground floor of the 1315 Peachtree Building. The building is a mix use site and is shared by MODA, the Peachtree Public Library, and Perkins+Will.

    MODA resides on the land of the Mvskoke (Muscogee / Creek) people.

  • Parking

    MODA does not offer designated parking. There are public parking lots located in the Midtown Arts district, as well as metered parking available along Peachtree St NE. The paid Lanier parking deck at 1337 Peachtree St NE is the closest deck within walking distance of the museum.

    Bike Riders

    For visitors traveling by bike, there are plenty of bike racks conveniently located around MODA! You can find them along Peachtree Street, including right outside of MODA, and at the Arts Center MARTA Station. Don’t forget to bring a lock!

    Marta

    If visiting by train, take the North or South rail line to the Arts Center MARTA Station (N5), located directly behind the Woodruff Arts Center (accessible). Exit the Arts Center Station at the top level by the Peachtree Street exit. You will be behind the Woodruff Arts Center. MODA is located directly across the street from the Woodruff Arts Center. Use the cross-walk at the intersection of 16th and Peachtree to reach our building.

    For more information on MARTA schedules, maps, and connections from other transit providers, please visit the MARTA website.

    We offer a 20% discount on museum admission for patrons who used public transportation to get to MODA! (DOES NOT APPLY TO SUNDAY FUNDAY SPECIAL RATE)

  • Contact Mary at maryk@museumofdesign.org with any questions.

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May 11

For the Love of Graffiti: The Krog Street Tunnel & Cabbagetown’s Arts Ecosystem

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May 12

Sunday Funday: Midtown Blooms