First-time filmmaker and Atlanta resident, Deborah Riley Draper has created an incredible stir with her documentary Versailles ’73: American Runway Revolution and it gets its Atlanta premiere today.
Riley Draper, an advertising professional ventured into her other love, the fashion industry for this piece that has garnered much attention and acclaim.
The film documents the now legendary battle between French and American haute couture designers at the Chateau de Versailles on November 28, 1973. The American contingent relied heavily on Black fashion models for the first time ever and the beauty, poise and attitude of these women turned the tide for the U.S, turning the fashion world on its ear.
According to the NY Times, Ms. Riley Draper was inspired to start the film project after seeing an ABC News spot in 2011 about a lunch at the Metropolitan Museum of Art that brought together the Versailles participants. “I’m a bit of a fashionista, and I had never heard of the event or the story,” she said.
Deborah Riley Draper (far right) with Mikki Taylor, Tracee Ellis RossThe Cascade Patch reports that fashionista and reality show celeb, Cynthia Bailey (Real Housewives of Atlanta) will host the special premiere of Versailles ’73 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel today (Tuesday) before the film goes on to a New York premiere on Thursday for Fashion Week and a limited run at the IFC theater.
