I am a documentary fanatic, especially if it’s fashion related. As a fashion industry professional, watching these films is a great way to educate myself on major events and key players. During NYFW, the fabulous Mikki Taylor (who I have had the amazing pleasure to get to know while working at ESSENCE) invited me to a private screening of the documentary: Versailles ’73 American Runway Revolution in Philadelphia. The film stars Mikki along with narrator Cameron Silver (owner of Decades), Bethann Hardison, Pat Cleveland, Harold Koda, China Machado and many more. The story of Versailles began as a fundraiser to restore the famed castle, organized by publicist Eleanor Lambert. The plan was to have a runway show featuring five French couturiers: Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin and Emanuel Ungaro and five American fashion designers: Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, BIll Blass, Oscar de la Renta and Halston. After a whilrwind evening attended by an iconic audience including Andy Warhol, Grace Kelly and Josephine Baker, the Americans came out of the battle as victors using the bold and beautiful black models as their secret weapon. Newcomer Stephen Burrows was the shining star of the night. This was a groundbreaking event and went on to catapult American fashion designers and Ready-to-Wear. This event also gave black models more opportunities in the industry. Fashion editors began to pay more attention to American fashion. It was wonderful to witness such an essential time in fashion history, both as a black woman and as someone in the industry.
And now, some pics!
American models take the stage at Versailles
Stunning photo of a young Bethann Hardison
Liza Minnelli, who led the models in a rendition of “Bonjour Paris”
The incomparable Andy Warhol
After the film, Mikki and Cameron led a discussion with the audience
Topics discussed included the present state of fashion and equality amongst models
How amazing are Cameron’s green boots? And Mikki’s LBD is divine! I am wearing a vintage Biddies and Blokes dress, Mercura shades and TopShop heels.
Mikki, you’re fabulous inside and out! Thank you for inviting me : )
Click on to find out more about this epic film!
-xoxo-
Joy
