IN the 47th annual production of the Ebony Fashion Fair, the elegance and panache that have come to be synonymous with the show again will be highlighted during its dramatic debut on September 8 in Tinley Park, III.

Fashion-conscious attendees around the country will witness a unique display of stylish, colorful and appealing attire for women and men. This year's theme, "Living It Up" directs the focus on the one-of-a-kind, spectacular collection of apparel that is featured in the world's premier traveling show, which will include stops in 176 cities by the time it ends on May 15 in Montreal, Canada.

The often-cited, award-winning show features the designs that were selected by the show's producer, Mrs. Eunice W. Johnson, wife of EBONY Publisher John H. Johnson. Included among the designs are those of internationally famous fashion designers, some of whom are African-Americans. The show also highlights items from the collections of the top fashion houses in the United States and Europe.

Noted nonprofit groups sponsor the fashion show in each city, and the following are the chairpersons who help to coordinate the shows in their respective areas.