Pat Cleveland was the first African American fashion model in a Paris haute couture show, and one of the first to grace the cover of a fashion magazine. Cleveland will be a special guest at the 50th Anniversary of Versailles ‘73, which will feature the premiere of The Girl from 7th Avenue.

The evening will begin at Avant-Art Gallery with the premiere of The Girl from 7th Avenue, winner of International Fashion Film Award 2022, directed and written by Antonio Contreras. The film features Cleveland and tells the story of her rise in the fashion industry.

Following the screening, guests will walk the gold carpet at SE7EN for part two of the evening. Guests can engage in a film Q&A with Contreras and Cleveland, and have dinner while being transported back in time for an informal fashion show, which will highlight the golden years of fashion with the work of renowned designer Stephen Burrows (the first African American designer to showcase in Paris), Project Runway designer Chasity Sereal, and famous designer Le Thanh Hoa.

Versailles ’73, which took place November 28, 1973, was a unique fashion show that showcased French and American designers, marking a significant turning point in the fashion industry. The event was organized to raise funds for the restoration of the Palace of Versailles. French designers, including Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Cardin, showcased their elegant and traditional designs, while American designers Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Stephen Burrows introduced a fresh and innovative approach to fashion.