VERSAILLES '73: AMERICAN RUNWAY REVOLUTION to Be Released on iTunes, 2/12

By: Jan. 28, 2013
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FilmBuff and Coffee Bluff Pictures today announced the release of the critically acclaimed documentary film, VERSAILLES '73: AMERICAN RUNWAY REVOLUTION. The film will be released on iTunes, Amazon Instant View, and other VOD platforms on Tuesday, February 12th, 2013 by digital entertainment curator, FilmBuff.

Directed, written and produced by Deborah Riley Draper, "Versailles '73: American Runway Revolution," follows the iconic fashion face-off at the Palace of Versailles on November 28, 1973 between five prominent American designers --Anne Klein, Stephen Burrows, Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, and Halston -- and five prolific French designers-- Yves St. Laurent, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, and Emanuel Ungaro. The event's beginnings as a fundraiser orchestrated by fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert to raise money to restore the Palace of Versailles became a fierce competition. Then, on the stage where Louis XVI married Marie Antoinette, in front of a who's who audience of royalty, jet-set millionaires, and icons including Princess Grace of Monaco, Andy Warhol, Christina Onassis, Liza Minnelli, and Josephine Baker, the American designers claimed a resounding victory. The extraordinary evening left an unforgettable imprint on the fashion industry and forever changed fashion history. America with great clothes and a color barrier-breaking collective of Black models who sashayed down the runway, won over the crowd and secured American fashion's place on the world stage.

The film has been recognized as the 2012 AAFCA Awards Best Documentary, 2012 Official Selection Martha's Vineyards African American Film Festival, 2012 Best Documentary Black Hollywood Film Festival and Official Selection BronzeLens Film Festival. The film features never before seen archival footage and commentary by some of the fashion industry's most respected names including Stephen Burrows, Pat Cleveland, Barbara Summers, Charlene Dash, CameRon Silver, Bethann Hardison, China Machado, Norma Jean Darden, Laurent Cotta, Tom Fallon, Didier Grumbach, Jean-Luce Hure, Harold Koda, Mikki Taylor and many others.

On February 12th the film will be available on iTunes, Amazon Instant View, YouTube Rentals, XBOX, Sony PlayStation, and Vudu. For more information please visit www.versaille73movie.com.

About Deborah Riley Draper

Deborah Riley Draper is an award-winning advertising executive at BBDO with Effies, Addys and even a Regional Emmy Award for her innovative marketing communication programs for blue-chip clients. A Savannah, Georgia native, Draper makes her directorial debut with fashion documentary, Versailles '73: American Runway Revolution. Draper launched Coffee Bluff Pictures in 2008 to meet the demand for films that shed light on underrepresented audiences but have Universal appeal and tap into human truths. She is currently in development on a feature film and of course another fashion documentary. Deborah lives in Atlanta with her husband, who is currently in development on a film based on his experience in law enforcement.

About Coffee Bluff Pictures

Coffee Bluff Pictures is an Atlanta-based independent film venture created to develop, produce and distribute compelling stories to satiate the African American appetite for films. Their work celebrates interesting characters and multi-faceted African American stories. From characters to cast to crew, Coffee Bluff Pictures brings together the very best in film to deliver quality indie fare. Coffee Bluff Pictures aims to reduce the barriers to African American independent film production by democratizing investment modestly budgeted, highly profitable films. Coffee Bluff Pictures creates product awareness from development to distribution leveraging cross-platform media and marketing strategies. Coffee Bluff Pictures releases its films through multiple distribution platforms to maximize profit and exposure.

About FilmBuff

Founded in 2007, New York-based FilmBuff is the leading distributor of incomparable digital entertainment. The Company draws upon its deep relationships within the film industry to curate content that consistently informs, entertains and inspires. FilmBuff designs innovative digital strategies to supply content to all on-demand outlets. Serving as a bridge between filmmakers and audiences, FilmBuff actively engages in conversations with fellow entertainment lovers through its exclusive access, original content and unique voice. Find FilmBuff content on all cable, satellite and telco services, game consoles, online retailers, wireless platforms and hardware manufacturers worldwide. Connect with FilmBuff atwww.FilmBuff.com and @FilmBuff.



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