Famous Runway Showdown Revisited in ‘Versailles ’73’

Women’s Wear Daily billed it as the “Battle of Versailles.”

The 1973 gala designed to raise funds for the restoration of the Palace of Versailles more than lived up to the hype, going down in history as the night that put American fashion, and African-American models, on the map. A new documentary by first-time director Deborah Riley Draper tells the behind-the-scenes story of that Nov. 28 evening, when five U.S. designers faced off against France’s top couturiers in front of an audience of royals and celebrities, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Christina Onassis and Andy Warhol.  For More

Left: Marisa Berenson, Halston and Liza Minnelli at the festivities.

Middle: Marie-Helene de Rothschild with Princess Grace of Monaco.

Right: Andy Warhol with Yves Saint Laurent, Mary Russell and Pierre Berge.

Photos by Fairchild Archive