Documentary Production and Distribution News

Coffee Bluff Pictures Completes Principal Photography on Versailles '73: American Runway Revolution

By StudentFilmmakers.com
posted Jan 16, 2012, 08:20

(Atlanta, GA) -- Coffee Bluff Pictures has completed principal photography on "Versailles '73:American Runway Revolution," a documentary about the legendary 1973 fashion show, fittingly nicknamed the "Battle of Versailles."

In Versailles '73:American Runway Revolution, Deborah Riley Draper tells the trailblazing, trendsetting, industry-altering tale of how a group of African-American models made history, changed attitudes, and helped secure American fashion's place on the world stage. Through in-depth accounts with designers, models, and journalists who witnessed the groundbreaking event, and told in a tone brimming with pride, passion, and patriotism, Versailles '73:American Runway Revolution shines a light on what happened that glorious night in Paris. The beautifully-crafted film shows how the American designers and models wowed and won over the crowd, gained newfound respect and recognition, and turned the tide for U.S. fashion for years to come.

The show was initially conceived as a fundraiser orchestrated by American fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert and Palace of Versailles curator Gerald Van der Kemp, to raise money to restore the Palace of Versailles. However, fierce competition between the lions of haute couture� Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, and Emanuel Ungaro, and what the French considered easy prey, a group of American designers eager to become household names on the European fashion scene�Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, and Halston, turned it into ready-to-wear's iconic coming out party. On the stage where Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette, in front of a who's who audience of royalty, jet-set millionaires, and icons including Princess Grace of Monaco, Andy Warhol, Christina Onassis, and Josephine Baker, the Americans claimed victory. Their secret weapon: great clothes and a group of bold and beautiful black models that sashayed down the royal runway to R&B music. They turned heads and simply stole the show. The extraordinary evening left an unforgettable imprint on the fashion industry and forever changed the role of black models in America and abroad.

"The Americans had all the success which they deserved with their perfect organization and for their admirable fashion defile," recalls Hubert de Givenchy.

When African-American models Billie Blair, Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn, Norma Jean Darden, Charlene Dash, Bethann Hardison, Barbara Jackson, Jennifer Brice, Ramona Saunders, and Amina Warsuma boarded a plane from New York to Paris, they had no idea they would be part of a new world fashion order. These amazing women walked the catwalk and received roaring applause and unexpected adoration. They helped innovative American designers pull off a fashion coup that would be the talk of the town for decades.

Coffee Bluff Pictures presents Versailles '73:American Runway Revolution, a film directed by Deborah Riley Draper. Produced by Deborah Riley Draper, Caralene Robinson, and Michael A. Draper. The director of cinematography is Jonathan Hall, and the editor is Ryan Kerrison.

Coffee Bluff Pictures is currently seeking a U.S. distributor to release the film in theatres nationwide. The filmmakers are also submitting the documentary for domestic and international film festival consideration.





Resources:

www.coffeebluffpictures.com