Stephen Burrows Pays Tribute to Met's Celebration of Models in Legendary Versailles Fashion Show

NEW YORK, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Stephen Burrows today congratulated the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Celebration of models in the famed 1973 Versailles Fashion Show that altered perceptions of American fashion's presentation on the world stage, nearly 40 years ago.

"I could not think of a more deserving group of women and dear friends who helped us define a new era in fashion as we began our careers all those years ago, nor a more defining organization to deliver this recognition," Burrows said.

He was speaking before a Met luncheon hosted by Harold Koda, Curator of the Met's Costume Institute, Donna Williams, Chief Audience Development Officer and Co-hosted by Stephen Burrows and Oscar de la Renta.

The luncheon celebrated the diverse and multicultural group of models; Bethann Hardison, Pat Cleveland, Alva Chinn, Billie Blair, Norma Jean Darden, Barbara Jackson, China Machado, Ramona Saunders and Amina Warsuma, who captivated the audience when they took to the fashion runway at the Palace of Versailles, France in 1973, wearing the collections of Stephen Burrows, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, Halston and Anne Klein.

The Versailles show which presented the American collections alongside those of celebrated French couturiers, Christian Dior, Pierre Cardin, Hubert de Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, and Emmanuel Ungaro, drew tremendous accolades for the Americans that resonated throughout the world and became a defining moment in American fashion history.

About Stephen Burrows

Recognized by the American Fashion Industry with a star on New York City's Fashion Walk of Fame, Stephen Burrows distinguished career in fashion also includes three American Fashion Critics' Coty Awards and a Board of Director's Special Tribute Award from the CFDA in recognition of his distinctive artistry and achievements as a fashion designer. The Museum of the City of New York has named Burrows to a unique list celebrating those who helped define the City, alongside such luminaries as the former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Estee Lauder, the Astors, the Rockefellers, the Roosevelts, and a number of New York City Mayors.

For more details visit www.StephenBurrows.com.

SOURCE Stephen Burrows