Posted by | Ray Cornelius
In 2012, I had the pleasure of working with independent filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper on the Atlanta premiere of her film “Versailles ’73.”
The movie follows the events leading up to the iconic fashion effrontery at the Chateau de Versailles on November 28, 1973 between American and French designers. This singular event changed the course of fashion history with great clothes and the tour de force Black models who sashayed down the runway, won over the crowd, gaining newfound respect and recognition, and helping secure American fashion’s place on the world stage. Pat Cleveland, Bethann Hardison, Alva Chinn and Billie Blair were just a few of the models who participated in this historic event.
Well now it appears that HBO is teaming up with “Selma” director Ava Duvernay for a scripted version of the story titled “The Battle of Versailles.” According to S&A, HBO’s version will be based on 2015 book “The Battle of Versailles,” that was written by Robin Givhan and was inspired by Draper’s documentary. Joining DuVernay in producing the project is Karen Glass and Angela Mancuso.
Check out the trailer below for Deborah Riley Draper’s “Versailles ’73” below and stay tuned…
Photo Credit: Versailles73movie.com