How does he do that? It's the first question asked when people see the work of award-winning Sergey Ermakov, 38, one of the biggest names in Ukrainian haute couture. While each evening gown, handbag and designer shoe is an exquisite work of art with intricate details of beading, feathers, lace and sequins, what makes his creations truly amazing is the fact that Ermakov is blind.
Ermakov was diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy at age 11 and lost 95 percent of his vision. Despite his vision loss, Ermakov pursued his dream to be a tailor, followed by costume and theater design, and never lost his drive to follow his passion. He overcame the challenge of working in a very visual and competitive industry; and today is one of the most acclaimed and expensive haute couture designers in the Ukraine.
With the goal to share his story of living successfully with vision loss, Ermakov will make his American debut in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, April 16, at the Designing with a Vision runway show hosted by the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) Center on Vision Loss—a unique demonstration and information center that promotes independent and healthy living for people with vision loss. The posh event which includes two elaborate runway shows and a trunk show will be held at The Fairmont Dallas Hotel.
"Today, millions of blind and visually impaired Americans know independence and opportunity in their lives because of the work we do at the American Foundation for the Blind," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB president and CEO. "Sergey's success is a great example of how someone who is blind or visually impaired can live a productive, fulfilling life with the right tools, support and determination. Vision loss doesn't mean giving up your dreams."
Beauty is in the mind of the beholder and Ermakov's ability to translate his inner vision onto the runway is something to behold. "At the last Luciano Pavarotti concert in Kiev, I closed my eyes and there my new collection dawned on me. Sometimes, the starry night is the source of inspiration. For one of my Russian clients, I made a dress like that, sparkling crystals against the dark silk," said Ermakov.
For his U.S. debut, Ermakov has created a dress, especially designed with Dallas in mind, valued at more than $10,000. It will be raffled with proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for the Blind Center on Vision Loss in Dallas.
Ermakov will showcase 30 spectacular dresses, valued at more than $150,000, from his European line during two runway shows on April 16. The day's events include:
10:00 a.m. Blintz and Belini's Bruncheon and Runway Show
12:00 p.m. Trunk Show
6:30 p.m. Evening Runway Show & Cocktail Party
Honorary chairs for Designing with a Vision are Dallas civic leaders Minnie and Bill Caruth, Linda Ivy and Dee Simmons. Event chairs are Barbara Brice and Bobbie Sue Williams (daytime show); and Bri Crum, Heidi Dillon and Kirby Allison (evening show). Major corporate sponsors include: American Airlines/One World, The Fairmont Dallas Hotel, Modern Luxury Dallas, and Suite 206.
American Foundation for the Blind
20240830145952.gif)
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "UBM China (Shanghai)")
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
