MassArt had the distinct honor of welcoming and hosting Stephen Burrows, Alva Chinn, & Pat Cleveland. Legendary designer and models who made history on November 28th, 1973 in the Palace of Versailles to raise money for its restoration. “The Battle of Versailles” as it came to be called showed five american designers – Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Anne Klein, Halston, and Stephen Burrows – and put them against the five French designers considered the best in the world: Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, and Marc Bohan of Christian Dior.  It was not only the first time French and American designers were shown together but it smashed the glass ceiling loudly and irrevocably for ethnic models in high fashion across the globe.

 

The night hosted by MassArt started with reception in the DMC’s Fenway room followed by a screening of the film, directed by  Deborah Riley. Afterwards a Panel Discussion moderated by Professor James Mason gave viewers a chance to hear from the director, designer, and models themselves as they relived the night of 73 and answered questions.

The following day Stephen came to visit the Fashion Department and toured the studios talked to students about their work, the business and how to stay motivated in the industry.