About FFC > The Legacy of fashion fair

Fashion Fair, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Publishing Company, Inc., was created for women of color by the late John H. Johnson, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines. As a pioneering businessman, Johnson took the risk that most major cosmetic companies refused to take by entering the untapped market of makeup for women with deeper skin tones.

The journey to becoming the largest Black-owned cosmetics company in the world began when Johnson noticed that the models in the Ebony Fashion Fair®, the world's largest traveling fashion show, were mixing foundations to create the right blend to match their hues. Initially he approached existing cosmetics companies and urged them to create a line to meet the specific needs of Black women. Unfortunately, this request was met with great resistance.

Taking matters into their own hands, Johnson and his wife, Eunice W. Johnson, went to a private lab that developed formulas out of the mixtures the models created. After successfully applying this makeup on the models in the fashion show, the Johnsons produced Capsule Collection, a mail-order package in 1969. Based on the overwhelming response, it was clear there was a demand for a Black cosmetics line.  

Fashion Fair Cosmetics was born in 1973 , named after the fashion show that inspired it. With its feminine pink packaging and a wide range of shades, Fashion Fair cosmetics was strategically marketed to high-end department stores and opened its first counter in Chicago at Marshall Fields (now Macy's) on State Street. During that same year, Perfect Finish® Creme Makeup was also introduced and remains our foundation best seller -- a lightweight, creamy foundation that stays "perfect" for hours. The line continued to expand by introducing skin care, fragrance and hair care products that addressed black women's needs. While fragrance and hair care are no longer key focus areas for the brand, skin care is still very much an important part of the line. Vantex® Skin Bleaching Creme, created in 1988 to gradually fade away skin discolorations, is still a customer-favorite, company top-seller and great example of the innovation that fuels the company's success.

Ten years after the company opened its first U.S. counter, the company expanded its global reach with the first European initiative in London. In conjunction with Ebony Fashion Fair, Fashion Fair cosmetics took Great Britain by storm by hosting a signature luncheon highlighting an array of products and extravagant fashions from the show. In 1984, Fashion Fair cosmetics continued its international quest and opened its first French counter in Paris at Au Printemps department store.

A trusted brand by many, Fashion Fair cosmetics remains deeply rooted in the African-American experience. It has been named the official cosmetics line for the original Broadway plays Dreamgirls and A Raisin in the Sun. In December 2006, Fashion Fair further reinforced its relationship with the Dreamgirls brand and launched a 12-city movie screening promotion for the motion picture. In its print ad campaigns, Fashion Fair cosmetics has worked with star-studded celebrities like Diahann Carroll, Leontyne Price, Judy Pace, Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole.

In 2008, the brand embarked on its most recent makeover by introducing a new logo, more modern, contemporary packaging and a wider range of shades. The brand's focus remains dedicated to offering products, services and education that address the unique complexion needs for women with deeper skin tones. The renewed brand vision, refreshed packaging and product innovation represent what's on the horizon for the company and will further position the brand to capture the growing global ethnic beauty market.

More than 35 years after the first counter opened, Fashion Fair cosmetics continues to sustain its position as a leader in the cosmetics industry for all women of color.   Products can be found in nearly 950 fine stores across the United States as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Africa, the Caribbean, France and other countries around the world. We invite you to come visit us at a counter near you!

Customer Service: 1-800-331-4905        Web sites: www.fashionfair.com, www.fashionfairdirect.com