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

I AM LEGEND: BETHANN HARDISON

What becomes a legend most?

I've been saving the best photos for last and I'm not done yet. Some call her a revolutionary. Some call her a activist. I call her an American "Herstory" maker because she continues to make "Herstory" on a regular basis. Along with supermodel Iman, Bethann Hardison co-founded the Black Girls Coalition, an organization that has pushed for greater inclusion and visibility of Black models and models of color in the fashion industry, one activity that even in this day she's still fighting for.

Today, the former runway model is now the Editor-at-Large for VOGUE Italia's-VOGUE BLACK Website. Long gone is Bethann Management Company, Inc., which was once the international modeling and talent agency headed by Bethann Hardison. Never one to leave a challenge and create newer opportunities in the world at large especially in the fashion industry, Bethann is still a pivotal force in organizing Black models around such issues as equitable Black representation in fashion magazines, runways and catalogues. Bethann is an inspiration and a vision of women's empowerment.

I Salute You, Bethann Hardison for being a major influence to women all over the world by showing the world that we do exists and will no longer tolerate being rendered invisible. And may God continue to bless you with the vision and longevity to continue to empower others!

NOTE: Photos: Runway photos are from my own collections of fashion books
with the exception of those photos belonging to NYM and Getty Images. Share the love by linking back. Thank you.
Divalocity.


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The Models of Versailles 1973 Tribute Luncheon

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