O Magazine Celebrates The Trailblazing Models of Versailles

My mouth dropped when I flipped through my May issue of O Magazine and saw the caption that said they were honoring some of the models who were on that catwalk in Paris on November 1973 for the "Battle of Versailles" as it's called in fashion circles and is also known as Le 1973 Grand Divertissement à Versailles.

In this issue Pat Cleveland, Bethann Hardison and Alva Chinn are featured in a stunning editorial (The Bold and the Beautiful)complete with historical facts and other photos(mine included)of this historical day. Not only are these three legendary "Super Models" by themselves in this gorgeous editorial, top models Kinée Diouf, Jaunel McKenzie and Shelby Coleman are also featured . Famed photographer Lorenzo Agius captured the beauty and style of each of these women wearing the latest in glamorous looks.

I'm kind of shock that Gail King claims that she never heard of any of these women before she presented them with their Huffington Post's Game Changers award. How did she miss them when they were all over and inside the covers of Essence and Ebony magazines and also featured in VOGUE, Harper's Bazaar, Glamour and Mademoiselle magazines which I'm sure she read during our time frame? Either way, be sure to get your copy if you don't already subscribe to O Magazine so that you can check it out and read their inspiring story. I'm looking forward to the documentary on this historical feat.

Fashion Editor: Andrew Holden.
Hair: Peter Butler.
Makeup: Paul Innis for Avon at Maxine Tall Management.
Manicure: Roseann Singleton for Chanel at Art Department. 
Prop Stylist: Steven Nassimos.

Photos: From my Blackberry because I don't tear up my magazines to scan anything.

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

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.