Beauty
Fashion Fair’s New Documentary Is A Masterclass On Importance Of Black Beauty Representation
‘The Beauty Of Blackness’ chronicles Fashion Fair’s rise, fall and rebirth — and its impact on Black women.
Makeup brand Fashion Fair launched as a game-changer for Black women in the 1970s. It was the first major cosmetics brand to “see us.” The iconic brand was created by EBONY and JET co-founder Eunice Johnson specifically for women of color — and it got our colors right.
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For nearly 50 years, it was the epitome of Black beauty and representation. Now today’s generations can learn about the brand’s rich legacy and rebirth via a new documentary, “The Beauty Of Blackness.”
Directed by Tiffany Johnson and Kiana Moore, the documentary explores Fashion Fair’s meteoric rise and full, eventually succumbing to digital and social media changes and declaring bankruptcy. It also chronicles the journey of new owners, Desirée Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, in their attempt to revive the brand after buying it at an auction in 2019.
“I want us to own our own Black beauty,” said Rogers in the documentary. “I don’t want to be dramatic, but Black women are going to be on display,” she added. “Taking a chance, in some respects, to present ourselves in a raw form. It’s very soulful. It’s very personal. So that’s kind of what’s at stake for me.”
Rogers and Mayberry McKissack, both former EBONY executives and co-owners of Black Opal, hit the ground (and roadblocks) to breathe new life while remaining true to the brand’s origins. We watch as they work through deadlines, fashion fits, and funding issues before succeeding with a relaunch in Sephora in September 2021. The relaunch included new packaging along with vegan formulas and foundations to match the lightest and darkest of skin tones.
Part brand promo, part Black beauty masterclass, the film also captures stories from Black beauty experts, professionals, and artists, on the perception, power, and positioning of Black skin. R&B vet Kelly Rowland; Sam Fine, celeb makeup artist and Fashion Fair Creative Director; Julee Wilson, Cosmopolitan Beauty Editor; and modeling icon Pat Cleveland, were among those featured in conversations spanning from colorism and lack accessibility to a full-blown celebration of Black beauty.
“The Beauty Of Blackness” is streaming now on HBO Max as part of its Black Voices and Women’s History Month programming. Press play below to watch the railer.
