Versailles '73

Versailles ’73 is a stunning documentary film by first-time Director, Deborah Riley Draper. It beautifully captures a little known but highly impactful event in both fashion and cultural history.

In 1973, the Palace of Versailles was in desperate need of repair, a makeover so to speak, so a lavish fashion show was dreamt up to attract the most influential and affluent attendees, with the most sought after and famous designers and models in the world. The evening’s program featured French designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy, competing against newcomer American talents like Steven Burrows, Halston and Bill Blass along with Anne Klein and Oscar de la Renta who were relatively unknown on the international scene.

The show took place on the same stage where Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette, and the anticipation for French dominance was high. But, the show stoppers where not royalty, in fact they were unknown African American models, pulling off a stunning coup de etat of elegance in their simplicity that had all in attendance, including Princess Grace, throwing their programs in the air with wild applause.

For this session of Popcorn Therapy, we have two very special guests in the studio, and, as always, two that have particular relevance to this film. Daniel Troppy is a fashion expert and owner of Doubletake, Atlanta’s first choice for luxury vintage, and, Dr. Rhea Gordon, PhD, is a psychologist in private practice with 30 years experience including positions at Harvard Medical and as former Director of Counseling at Spelman College.

It seemed only fitting to have Mr. Troppy, whose passion for style is impeccable, join us to paint a picture with words about the film through a stylists’ eye for fashion. And, Ms. Gordon, an expert in diversity, self-awareness and identity, is also a logical guest to help us understand ego and inner beauty. So what happened that night at the Palace? Listen and see

Watch the trailer