Uncovering the Truth: Is Fashion Fair a Black-Owned Beauty Brand?

Fashion Fair, the iconic cosmetics brand that revolutionized beauty for women of color, has a rich history of Black ownership and empowerment. Founded in 1973 by Eunice Johnson, wife of Ebony and Jet magazines publisher John H. Johnson, Fashion Fair catered to the underserved beauty needs of African American women. Despite changing hands over the years, including a period under non-Black ownership, Fashion Fair has recently returned to its roots. In 2019, Black-owned company Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack acquired the brand, ushering in a new era of Black female leadership. Today, Fashion Fair continues its mission to celebrate diversity and empower women of color through high-quality, inclusive beauty products that embrace their unique needs and beauty. As a Black woman-owned company once again, Fashion Fair proudly carries forward its legacy of pioneering in the beauty industry while inspiring a new generation of women to embrace their radiance.

The Pioneering History of Fashion Fair

In 1973, Eunice Johnson, the visionary wife of Johnson Publishing founder John H. Johnson, embarked on a groundbreaking journey that would forever change the beauty landscape for Black women. With a keen eye for style and a deep understanding of the unique needs of women of color, Eunice Johnson founded Fashion Fair Cosmetics, a prestige cosmetics brand that catered specifically to the diverse skin tones and beauty desires of Black women.

At a time when the beauty industry largely ignored the needs of women of color, Fashion Fair emerged as a trailblazer, offering a wide range of high-quality cosmetics that celebrated the beauty and diversity of Black skin. From luxurious foundations to vibrant eyeshadows and lipsticks, Fashion Fair’s products were thoughtfully crafted to enhance and empower Black women, giving them the tools to express their individual style with confidence.

Eunice Johnson’s passion for fashion and beauty extended beyond the cosmetics line itself. She organized the legendary Ebony Fashion Fair, a traveling fashion show that showcased the latest trends and celebrated Black beauty on a grand scale. Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to empowering Black women, Eunice Johnson not only built a successful business but also created a powerful platform for representation and self-expression in the beauty industry.

Fashion Fair’s pioneering spirit and dedication to serving the needs of Black women set the stage for a new era of inclusivity and diversity in the beauty world. Today, the brand continues to inspire and empower women of color, carrying on Eunice Johnson’s legacy of celebrating Black beauty in all its forms.

Changes in Ownership Over the Decades

The Johnson Publishing Era

Fashion Fair Cosmetics was born from the visionary minds at Johnson Publishing Company, the trailblazing force behind Ebony and Jet magazines. In 1973, they recognized the glaring absence of makeup designed for deeper skin tones and set out to revolutionize the beauty industry. With a passion for empowering women of color, Fashion Fair quickly became a beloved brand, gracing the vanities of icons like Aretha Franklin and Diahann Carroll. As the company grew, it remained committed to its mission, sponsoring the legendary Ebony Fashion Fair shows and uplifting Black communities. Under Johnson Publishing’s leadership, Fashion Fair became a symbol of pride and possibility, proving that beauty knows no boundaries.

Challenges and Acquisition

Despite Fashion Fair’s iconic status and devoted following, the brand faced significant challenges in the 2010s. As the beauty industry evolved and consumer preferences shifted, Fashion Fair struggled to keep pace. Financial difficulties and changing ownership further complicated matters, leading to store closures and a decline in market presence.

In 2019, Fashion Fair’s future hung in the balance – until Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack stepped in. These accomplished Black businesswomen recognized Fashion Fair’s enduring importance and untapped potential. With their acquisition, they set out to revitalize the brand while honoring its rich legacy.

Rogers and McKissack brought a fresh perspective and renewed energy to Fashion Fair. They modernized product formulas, updated packaging, and expanded shade ranges to better serve today’s diverse beauty needs. By leveraging their business acumen and deep understanding of the brand’s significance, they charted a course for Fashion Fair’s revival.

Throughout the transition, Rogers and McKissack remained committed to Fashion Fair’s original mission of empowering Black women through beauty. They saw their role as stewards of a treasured brand, determined to ensure its continued relevance and success for generations to come. With their leadership, Fashion Fair embarked on a new chapter, poised to reclaim its place as a trailblazer in inclusive beauty.

Fashion Fair’s Resurgence and Revival

In a triumphant return, Fashion Fair made headlines in 2021 when it relaunched under the ownership of Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, two trailblazing Black women entrepreneurs. This exciting new chapter in the brand’s history marks a renewed commitment to its original mission: celebrating and empowering women of color through beauty.

With its revival, Fashion Fair is embracing the diversity revolution by offering an expanded range of shades and formulas that cater to the unique needs and desires of melanin-rich skin. From vibrant lipsticks to luxurious foundations, each product is crafted with love and expertise to enhance the natural beauty of every complexion.

But Fashion Fair’s resurgence goes beyond just products. Under its new leadership, the brand is dedicated to uplifting communities and creating opportunities for women of color in the beauty industry. Through mentorship programs, scholarships, and partnerships with organizations that empower women, Fashion Fair is investing in the future and paving the way for the next generation of Black beauty innovators.

As Fashion Fair embarks on this exciting new era, it remains rooted in its rich heritage while embracing the evolving needs and aspirations of today’s women of color. With its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and excellence, Fashion Fair is poised to redefine the beauty landscape and inspire women everywhere to embrace their unique beauty with pride and confidence.

Conclusion

Fashion Fair’s legacy as a pioneering, Black-owned beauty brand that has empowered women of color for nearly five decades is truly inspiring. Today, under the leadership of CEO Desiree Rogers and President Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, Fashion Fair is poised to reach even greater heights. By celebrating diversity, championing inclusivity, and offering high-quality, innovative products tailored to the unique needs of melanin-rich skin, Fashion Fair continues to be a beacon of empowerment in the beauty industry. As a community, we have the power to support and uplift this iconic brand, ensuring that its mission to make every woman feel beautiful, confident, and valued thrives for generations to come.