In 1973 five American fashion designers battled five French designers at an epic runway show benefiting the restoration of the Palace of Versailles. Nearly 40 years later, a documentary celebrating the American designers’ dominance — and heralding the rise of African-American runway models — was shown at Columbia College Chicago’s Film Row Cinema at 1104 S. Wabash. Attendees included the executive producer of “Versailles ’73,” Deborah Riley Draper, as well as documentary stars and former runway models Mikki Taylor, Pat Cleveland, Norma Jean Darden and Charlene Dash. The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event. Photos by Jonathan Mathias Photography

In 1973 five American fashion designers battled five French designers at an epic runway show benefiting the restoration of the Palace of Versailles. Nearly 40 years later, a documentary celebrating the American designers’ dominance — and heralding the rise of African-American runway models — was shown at Columbia College Chicago’s Film Row Cinema at 1104 S. Wabash. Attendees included the executive producer of “Versailles ’73,” Deborah Riley Draper, as well as documentary stars and former runway models Mikki Taylor, Pat Cleveland, Norma Jean Darden and Charlene Dash.

The Sun-Times was the media sponsor of this event.

Photos by Jonathan Mathias Photography