The Documentary: Le 1973 Grand Divertissement à Versailles

Pat Cleveland, Billie Blair, Amina Warsuma and the other models take center stage at Le 1973 Grand Divertissement à Versailles.

I can now finally add to my ever growing collection of fashion documentaries and books something that is truly a reflection of me. Something from the women who have inspired me most of my life with their incomparable beauty and style. Le 1973 Grand Divertissement à Versailles is now being made into a documentary for all the world to see and fashion lovers and historians everywhere will now see all of the hard work and sacrifices these women endured to show the world that they too could be just as stylish, glamorous and just as elegant as the next woman.

The documentary, Versailles ‘73: American Runway Revolution is directed by Deborah Riley Draper and is also produced by Deborah Riley Draper, Caralene Robinson, and Michael A. Draper for Coffee Bluff Pictures. Once this documentary hits theaters, please go out and support this legendary film.

Photo: SIPA

Homage To La Baker

Over the years many women have either tried to copy the style and beauty of Madame Josephine Baker. Few have succeeded and several have failed. I've got to give it to 'Super Model" Rose Cordero for being  a dead ringer, no pun intended, of Josephine Baker with her most recent editorial for Tush Magazine, shot by Ellen von Unwerth.

In my own personal opinion the only two models in the past who pulled off an identical Josephine Baker look-a-like have been former "Super Models" Pat Cleveland and Billie Blair, everyone else comes in a close second. Either way they looked glamorous while trying with their own personal spin on giving a tribute to the iconic Josephine Baker.

A MOMENT IN AFRO HERSTORY:THE DEFINING MOMENTS AT VERSAILLES

The Americans came, they saw, they sewed and they conquered Versailles and on that day of 28 November 1973, black models showed that they were a force to be reckoned with. We've celebrated that triumphant day by recognizing these pioneers who walked off that runway into history. Now view the runway shots from that historic day.

Charlene Dash, Amina Warsuma, Jennifer Brice, Alva Chinn, Pat Cleveland, Billie Blair, Norma Jean Darden, China Machado and Bethann Hardison...

                                                        
                                          ...The Secret Weapon of Choice.

"Commanding Center Stage and Striking a Pose"

Bethann Hardison and Ramona Saunders wearing Stephen Burrows.

A very animated Billie Blair displays the dramatics that help the Americans win the competition.

Jennifer Brice and the other leading ladies who stole the show and the

hearts of the French nobility at Versailles.