Johnson Publishing Company mourns the loss of Eunice Johnson – Ebony Fashion Fair Producer & Director
CHICAGO – We are deeply saddened by the passing of Eunice W. Johnson, wife of the late
John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. As a trailblazer in fashion, Mrs. Johnson served as producer and director of Ebony Fashion Fair since 1961 and also held the office of secretary-treasurer at Johnson Publishing,
home to Ebony and Jet magazines. Mrs. Johnson passed away on Sunday, January 3rd at the age of 93.
Mrs. Johnson has always been a woman ahead of her time. Under her direction, Mrs. Johnson made a tremendous impact on the fashion industry, showcasing the best in style on African-American models of various shapes, sizes and skin
tones. It was her sheer determination and astute business sense that helped pave the way for supermodels Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Iman and Beverly Johnson.
Mrs. Eunice W. Johnson (l) with Yves Saint Laurent
Photo courtesy of Ebony Archives
To date, Ebony Fashion Fair, the world’s largest traveling fashion show, which annually encompasses a nearly 180-city tour of the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, has raised more than $55 million for various charities.
For her commitment to community service, Mrs. Johnson has obtained several awards including honors from the United Negro College Fund, The Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, Alabama A&M, Loyola University and a host of others.
Mrs. Johnson will be sincerely missed, and her life and work will continue to be defined by her contributions to the world of fashion and design for years to come.
