[blindlgbtpride] Blind designer shares creations to benefit Center on Vision Loss in Dallas

[Don Brown]

12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, April 4, 2010

Sergey Ermakov's evening gowns are Oscar-night gorgeous.

See them for yourself on April 16 at two runway shows at the Fairmont Hotel Dallas benefiting the American Foundation for the Blind's Center on Vision Loss
in Dallas. 

The designer, who is legally blind, will showcase 30 dresses from his European line valued at more than $150,000.

Ermakov was diagnosed with 
diabetic 
retinopathy at age 11 and lost 95 percent of his vision. Today he's one of the most acclaimed haute couture designers in Ukraine.

Ermakov chose to make his American debut in Dallas because he wanted to share his story of living successfully with vision loss.

"Today, millions of blind and visually impaired Americans know independence and opportunity in their lives because of the work we do at American Foundation
for the Blind," said Carl R. Augusto, foundation 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."

Starry night inspiration

At a young age, Ermakov wanted to be a tailor, influenced by his mother, an expert seamstress.

Ermakov studied painting, graphic art, garment-making and tailoring in Ukraine.

After school, he began working in costume theater design for the Ukrainian Opera House. He has received many awards, including the National Pride Award
in Ukraine.

Here's his explanation of how he works: "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," Ermakov said.

For his U.S. debut, Ermakov created a dress valued at more than $10,000 that will be raffled off to benefit the Center on Vision Loss.

"Losing one's vision does not mean giving up one's dreams," said Judy Scott, director of the Dallas AFB. "This event showcases a young man who followed
his dreams and is a role model for all of us." 

Minnie and Bill Caruth, Linda Ivy and Dee Simmons are the honorary chairs of Designing With a Vision.

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