This week at NYFW The Talks, presented by Anne Klein, I got to hear from some of the key players for the 50th anniversary of The Battle of Versailles.
This week at NYFW The Talks, presented by Anne Klein, I got to hear from some of the key players for the 50th anniversary of The Battle of Versailles. Not that battle, The other one. The brainchild of Eleanor Lambert a then publicist whose visionary influence in the world of fashion can hardly be quantified and Gerald Van der Kemp, a french artist known for his efforts in preserving the Palace of Versailles and even helped save the Mona Lisa from Nazi destruction. The NYFW Talks event was hosted by the captivating Jasmine Tookes. We heard from the last living member of the 10 designers who presented that night, Stephen Burrows! Stephen became popular for his fun, colorful designs and really marked his spot in fashion during The Battle of Versailles. We also got to hear from industry legend Nicole Fischelis about her experience working behind the scenes or seams I should say, who said “The vibe was extraordinary”. You may know Nicole from her time as fashion creative director for Saks, Ferragamo and Macy’s. Alva Chinn and Pat Cleveland, two of the iconic models that actually walked that show were also members of the panel. I wasn’t sure I could get fomo (fear of missing out) from something that happened half a century ago, but that’s where I found myself… in fomoland for having not been there. If you know nothing about this event, I’ll break it down for you. On November 28th, 1973 there was a massive fundraiser/fashion show at The Palace of Versailles to raise money for its restoration. 10 designers, 5 American, Bill Blass, Stephen Burrows, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Anne Klein with her assistant Donna Karen and 5 French, Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin, Hubert de Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and Emanuel Ungaro put on a show and fashion battle of a lifetime. As Stephen burrows recalls, the thing that surprised him the most was that “We beat the French!” Not just the battle but the hearts and eyes of Europe and the world. As Stephen likes to say you have to “wreck the room” and my goodness did they ever. Up until that point, the French couture houses were the main resource for fashion direction and admiration. The America designers were sportswear in comparison to the Parisian ones that were ALL couture. One would think couture would beat sportswear. Not so in this case. The American designers wowed the crowd and solidified their place in high end fashion while also opening up the stage literally and figuratively for future American designers. According to Pat the 7th ave models could only say “Oui and Merci” but they still had the best time regardless of the language barrier. Reflecting on Anne, the only female designer to present, Alva said “She gave moments to people that they wouldn’t have had” and that the inclusion of Anne was “the smartest thing” for Eleanor to do. On whether or not they knew they were making history, Stephen puts it “When you’re making history you don’t know you’re making history you are just there to do the job.” A job that all involved absolutely crushed and in the end actually saved Versailles. When you hear or read battle you think two enemies against each other when in this case it was the opposite. It was a Battle together. Two sides yes. Fighting for the same thing. While the Americans won. In a way, they all did. A win we still benefit from today.
