A look back at the "Battle of Versailles" and its impact on fashion

Fifty years ago, the "Battle of Versailles" put American models on the map. The event, held just outside of Paris, saw American designers and models dress for battle against the French fashion industry. The catwalk made fashion history, introducing models and designers of color to the runway. Michelle Miller has more.
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[@cadicorniche]

Fashion in the 70s was soooo exciting! I was 18 yrs old in 1973, and just starting in college (at Pratt Institute, in the Fashion Department). It was the best time of my life. The Battle of Versailles was EVERYTHING!

[@alexaguilera2035]

Pat Cleveland and her daughter Anna followed in her fantastic footsteps!! Absolutely beautiful!

[@CBD7069..]

The classic fabulousness of 70s fashion. The 3 models are goddesses. What an amazing show the American models and fashion put on!

[@MikiWright]

Well done! What great coverage of this historical event in fashion and diversity. Thank you for sharing the realities of how the models of color were treated and also how they stole the hearts of people worldwide with their flavor! I was a young girl and don’t remember this event, but it was around that time that I fell in love with fashion, with groundbreaking Model, Beverly Johnson, and not long after Iman and Peggy Dillard in mainstream print magazines. What an inspiring time!

[@mareerogers1114]

THE ORIGINAL SHOW IS ON KZbin! I remember this event like yesterday.

[@MikiWright]

Wow, I didn’t know that. I’ll have to look it up. Thanks for sharing that!

[@abloh_junior5913]

how can I find it?

[@wendylowman490]

THANK YOU for celebrating this LANDMARK in Fashion... These Black Models and STEPHEN BURROWS CHANGED the Standard bought FLAVOR on the Catwalk!❤❤❤❤❤

[@Auntkekebaby]

Life. THANK GOODNESS!! No more hunchback. Changed everything about presentation. ❤

[@LindaJones-gq6bb]

Great to see them 50yrs later. I 13yrs old an already into vogue magazine, i was 5'8, i remember this mention did not not see the video many yrs later in early 2000's. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jsetennis9224]

Wonderful report, I can't watch enough stories about this fashion historical moment.

[@monicamartin6069]

The designs of that 70s fashion battle of Versailles were timeless, I would gladly wear them today in 2024.

[@maxlinder5262]

Love... Pat Cleveland....🎉 The BEST for ME... just my opinion. ..😊

[@beth3471]

Her autobiography is fantastic!

[@brianvines8394]

Living History! Bravo Michelle

[@virginiaboone8163]

Fabulous

[@jae6506]

Wow! Black Girl Magic Personified✨✨

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Pat! ❤

[@EricaYE6]

*Does anyone out there know where I can watch the entire fashion show "Battle of Versailles" (1973)? I'd really appreciate it.*

[@cymonehicks2386]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@cymonehicks2386]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@cymonehicks2386]

💎💎💎💎💎

[@saaunique]

As a black woman (and former journalist), this was a well-intended segment, but very awkward. 😬

[@LindaJones-gq6bb]

Why?

[@624LC]

@@LindaJones-gq6bb Brace yourself for the answer....🙄

[@parisbreakfast]

I thought it was completely celebratory and rightly so. A victory on many planes

[@MikeScott-ez7iw]

Explain That comment? why would you say something stupid like that 😮

[@threemothers]

Documentarian? Is she not a film maker? Is that too much to say or ask? They always find a way to rain on our parade. I make no apologies

[@hanssolos3699]

pat looks so white

[@lauren6509]

3:15 Black!?!? 🥴

[@tiboregoldberger6817]

🐷🐽🐷🐽🐷🐽🐷🐽🐷🐽