Lisa D. Brathwaite
Author, speaker, and curator of literary life and style.
Through books, talks, and cultural storytelling, I bring Black history, fashion, reading and lifelong learning into vivid conversations for readers, educators and event audiences.
About
Welcome to my house of literary life & style - a place where story, curiosity, and creative self-expression meet. I’m a word stylist, lifelong learner, and author who believes books can help us see ourselves more fully, imagine more boldly, and travel farther into our own possibilities.
I believe reading never goes out style, and the joy of reading and playing with words has made my life rich. I was compelled to channel that joy, play, and abundance into researching and writing Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the EBONY Fashion Fair. It was an opportunity to pay my own positive experiences as a library kid forward. It was also a study in resilience.
Through book, talks, and community-centered programming, I help audiences connect culture, confidence, and possibility.
I hope to encourage you, young (or young-at-heart) reader, to travel your road and blaze your own trail wherever your passions may lead you—just as Mrs. Johnson and those who participated in EBONY Fashion Fair modeled.
Buy the book or audiobook from your favorite indie bookstore or online retailer. Ask for it at your local public library!
Buy the book or audiobook from your favorite indie bookstore or online retailer. Ask for it at your local public library!
Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the EBONY Fashion Fair
A chic, deeply researched biography of Eunice W. Johnson — the visionary behind the EBONY Fashion Fair — for readers inspired by history, fashion and cultural legacy. Debuted on February 6, 2024, Miles of Style is the winner of Lee & Low’s New Voices Award and has been recognized by Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist.
Eunice W. Johnson believed in the power of fashion and beauty to inspire people. After she and her husband, John H. Johnson, founded EBONY magazine, it quickly became the premier lifestyle publication for mid-century Black readers. Among the many hats she wore, Eunice delighted in writing a fashion column describing the latest styles.
In 1958, the two launched a project that would change fashion forever--the EBONY Fashion Fair. Under Mrs. Johnson’s full direction in 1963 and in towns and cities across the United States, Black models graced stages and flaunted the season’s freshest trends in a fashion show like no other. Attendees got a glorious glimpse of themselves reflected in vibrant vignettes and ovation-worthy haute couture.
Making EBONY Fashion Fair happen was no small feat. Eunice negotiated with haughty fashion houses in Europe to acquire the most show-stopping looks and pieces. Back home in the US she navigated racism and societal norms to champion community and challenge what defined “beauty”. Decades later, her name remains synonymous with gumption, glamour and elegance to those who fondly recall the EBONY Fashion Fair, and one worthy of introduction to a new generation of style and substance enthusiasts.
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Best of the Best Books 2024, Chicago Public Library
Black Kidlit Award Winner 2025 - Best Biography, Black Kidlit Collective
Septima Clark Women in Literature Award 2025 - Middle Level Honor Book, National Council for the Social Studies
Vibrant Voices Titles for Kids 2025-2026, New York Public Library
Order your author-signed copy exclusively through Brave + Kind Bookshop
REVIEWS & COMMENTS
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"Brathwaite’s account of Eunice Johnson’s impact on Black culture is charming and straightforward, and her determination to help her community is palpable throughout. Gaines’ digital illustrations are bright and colorful enhancements for the text. A compelling tale of an intriguing subject who left an indelible mark on fashion and culture."
Kirkus Reviews
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"[A] fashion-forward chronicle of the life of entrepreneur Eunice W. Johnson (1916–2010). . . From fashion sketches to runway views, Gaines supplies digital illustrations with an elaborate fashion-plate feel."
Publishers Weekly
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“This informative biography will be an excellent addition to Black history collections, the fashion shelves, or any celebration of innovators of the 20th century.”
School Library Journal
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"Brathwaite’s wonderfully researched picture-book biography introduces elementary audiences to the impressive life and achievements of Eunice W. Johnson, a pioneer of Black fashion and cofounder of EBONY magazine. . . Gaines fills the pages from top to bottom with color, pattern, and texture—well suited to the topic at hand."
Booklist
Speaking
I love conversations that connect books, Black history, fashion, creativity, community, and lifelong learning.
Whether for a school, library, museum, festival, podcast, or community event, I bring warmth, substance, and style to every audience.
UPCOMING EVENTS |
UPCOMING EVENTS |
August 22 9 am - 8 pm
As the Maryland Center for the Book affiliate with the Library of Congress, Maryland Humanities has selected
Miles of Style: Eunice W. Johnson and the EBONY Fashion Fair
as the YOUTH “Great Reads from Great Places” for the 2026 National Book Festival.
Each year, they select one title each for adults and youth, as a representation of the state’s literary heritage or talent (i,e., a proud University of Maryland at College Park alum!). The book will be on sale at the festival bookstore, and to find out more you can visit me at the Maryland table at the Festival's Roadmap to Reading.
Selected Interviews and Mentions |
Selected Interviews and Mentions |
Past Readings | Signings | Appearances |
Past Readings | Signings | Appearances |
Wolf Creek Library (Atlanta, GA)
Book Worm Book Fest 2025 (Powder Springs, GA)
Decatur Children’s Book Festival (Decatur, GA)
Maddux Elementary School (West Memphis, AR)
Randall Heights Elementary School (Washington, DC)
32nd Annual African American Children’s Book Festival (Philadelphia, PA)
Contact me
Want to kick up a conversation? I’m all ears and earrings!
Use the form below for speaking invitations, school and library visits, media requests, book events, partnership inquiries, or reader notes. I look forward to hearing from you.