Fabulous furs warmed up Ebony kickoff

11/16/2000

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., (AKA) had their way with a selection of beautiful coats at Roth Furs Nov. 1 during a kick-off for the 43rd annual Ebony Fashion Fair. The world's largest traveling fashion production, this year called “Fashion Sensation,” is to be presented at 7 p.m. Monday at the Stranahan Theater by the local AKA chapter.

AKA Fashion Fair chairwoman Carole Martin, publicity chairwoman Nikki Garcia, and the show's planning committee organized an evening of trying on glamorous furs at the downtown furrier, from cashmere capes with fox trim to sheared full-length minks.

Each year, Phillip Roth showcases his furs for AKA members and then donates one fur to be given away during the show's intermission.

Inside the showroom, sorority members mingled and raved about the new reversible mink and leather coats, sheared beaver parkas, and short-haired fur varieties shown by Mr. Roth.

Among the members seen trying on furs were Edrene Cole, Tracee Harmon, Edna Robertson, Muriel Williams, AKA President Margaret Huntley, and Leola Gaines.

The show's producer, Eunice W. Johnson of Johnson Publications (Ebony and Jet magazines) promises models will be showing off with thigh-high splits and belly-button exposures, show organizers say are very much in vogue.

“Fashion Sensation” will offer a peek at numerous styles by designers such as Bob Mackie, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, Emanuel Ungaro, B Michael, de Alexander and Kevin Hall for Halston, and Valentino.

Proceeds from the show go to the sorority's scholarship fund. Tickets are available by calling the Stranahan box office at 381-8851, or calling any local member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The convenience store 7-Eleven isn't just for Slurpee drinks, snacks, and a gallon of milk anymore.

The nation's largest convenience retailer has introduced items targeted to female customers such as its exclusive line of hosiery, the 7-Eleven Heaven Scent pantyhose, available at $4.69 a pair, in six sizes, and six shades.

Why pantyhose?

“We think women may first pick up a pair of our pantyhose when caught in an emergency, but long-term, it will be the quality and price that keep them coming back,” said Cheryl Martineau, one of the chain's managers for health and beauty items.

Another addition to the store is a line of cosmetics , sold under the Heart & soul label, and available in unusual packaging such as slim, CD-style maxi-compacts. In the non-food aisles, women can also find nail polish, scented soaps, calcium tablets, perfumes, body jewelry, and beaded bracelets.

If that's not enough, the chain, for the first time, is advertising these goods in women's magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Mademoiselle, and Working Woman, and the store's new trend has been mentioned in fashion publications like Women's Wear Daily.

“It's not just hotdogs and nachos anymore,” said Jim Rickter, vice president of Fresh Foods for 7-Eleven.

For more information on the chain's beauty and fashion items for women, check out the products in area stores, or visit the chain's website at www.7-eleven.com.