The Legendary Pat Cleveland for OYSTER Magazine No.97

I get the best from those that I follow on the Tumblr and I just had to share these once I saw them this morning. Pat Cleveland is showing the world that she is still very much a "Super Model" in this fabulous photo set for Oyster Magazine #97. I love it!



Photos:Oyster Magazine/Jeffrey Graetsch
Fashion: Chrissy Jordan
Make-up: Sam Addington

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

The Classics: The White Suit

Never mind what the fashion gods and goddesses say about what's in and what's out because some things are just classics that will never, never go out of style. The white suit is a classic that will always be in style and it's perfect for women of all shapes and sizes. I like linen and cotton for the summer and wool blends for the winter in off-white or cream. The shorts-suit (below) by Ralph Lauren is super cute too. Choose your accessories wisely, just be sure to bring the wow factor!

The Inspirations: Pat Cleveland, circa 1988 Giafranco Ferre runway, Mounia and Celia Cruz.

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.

FOUR LOOKS: STEPHEN BURROWS 2011 FALL RTW

Like Mother (Pat Cleveland), Like Daughter: Ana van Ravenstein aka Anna Cleveland

For Stephen Burrows 2011 Fall RTW




They say the apple doesn't fall too far from the trees and Pat Cleveland's daughter, Ana is almost an exact replica of her and some say almost down to the walk of her famous mother.

Color Me Beautiful!






It's as if Stephen Burrows never left because he came back in true form with another beautiful color infused collection fit to be worn by women of all ages.

Photos:Alessandro Garofalo/Corbis.

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.

The Models of Versailles 1973 Tribute Luncheon

The Renegades of Fashion: America's Secret Weapon

STRIKE A POSE: ESTELLE

WHO: Recording Star Estelle

Where: Tribute To The Models Of Versailles 1973 At The MET.

A Moment In Afro Her-story: Super Model Pat Cleveland

Living Legend Pat Cleveland

Pat Cleveland: Daughter,Mom, Icon, Living Legend and Super Model...Inspiration. Muse of the creme de la creme of designers from Halston to YSL. The walk, legendary, elegant...regal. The style...impeccable. I present you a bouquet of flowers for gracing the world with your beauty and elegance. Salut!

(Photos from my own personal archives of magazines)

The Way We Wore...

...and still can wear the clothes from the past in which some call vintage-I call them the classics. Case in point icon and "Super Model " Pat Cleveland at the world premiere of Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston which was held during the TriBeCa Film Festival this past, April 2010 wearing Halston.

You'd have to be under a rock if you claim to know fashion and not know that Pat Cleveland was one of Halston's muses and friends along with other greats, Billie Blair, Dalma, Naomi Sims and other Super Models of the '70s and '80s.

Photo:Patrick McMullan the other one scanned by me from my huge collection of magazines that I refuse to part with.