Versailles ’73: American Runway, directed by Deborah Riley Draper. (91 mins). Not rated
Versailles ’73 explores a pivotal moment in history, when a fashion face-off pitted French haute couture establishment – Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin and Emmanuel Ungaro – against American designers Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, Oscar de la Renta and Halston.
In front of an audience of 700 millionaire luminaries, royalty and icons including Andy Warhol, Princess Grace of Monaco, Christina Onassis and Josephine Baker, the Americans catapulted ready-to-wear to global stardom.
Film begins at 7pm. Arrive early to view The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway exhibition before the screening.
Following the film will be a panel discussion featuring:
- Deborah Riley Draper, director of the film
- Pat Cleveland, fashion model, walked the runway at Battle of Versailles
- Mikki Taylor, media personality and Editor-at-Large, Essence magazine
Location: Billy Johnson Auditorium