The Battle of Versailles

by Robin Givhan
The Battle of Versailles cover
Good Books rating 4.17
History, Identity, Culture, Sociology
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  • ID: 10490
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-25
  • ISBN: 9781250053855
  • Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
  • Published: 2015-03-17
  • Reviews: 3

On November 28, 1973, the world's fashion elite gathered at the Palace of Versailles for an unprecedented showdown. Five American designers faced off against five French designers in a spectacle that would redefine the industry. With celebrities like Princess Grace of Monaco and Andy Warhol in attendance, the event featured groundbreaking performances by Liza Minnelli, Josephine Baker, and Rudolph Nureyev. The Americans, plagued by challenges, defied expectations with their innovative designs and diverse models, marking a pivotal moment in fashion history. Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Robin Givhan meticulously recounts this transformative event, highlighting how it shifted the balance of power in the fashion world. The Battle of Versailles is not just a story of fashion; it's a cultural history that explores themes of race, gender, and economics, showcasing how a single event can reshape an entire industry.

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2026-01-25
entertaining 4.00

The book is an entertaining and insightful look at a significant fashion event, enhanced by the author's ability to bring the models and designers to life. It is a delightful read that offers a fresh perspective on fashion history.

Kirkus Reviews highlights how Robin Givhan's The Battle of Versailles is more than just a recounting of a fashion show; it's a cultural history that captures the essence of the era. The reviewer appreciates Givhan's talent for illustrating the personalities and dramas behind the scenes, making the book both informative and entertaining. The narrative is engaging, and the author's research is commendable. Kirkus notes that readers don't need to be fashion experts to enjoy this book, as it offers a broad appeal with its blend of history, culture, and glamour. The reviewer also praises Givhan's ability to convey the significance of the event in a way that resonates with modern readers.

Quick quotes

    Givhan's effortless ability to illustrate the models and designers brings the event to life.

    A delightful and insightful look at a significant moment in fashion history.

    The Battle of Versailles is a must-read for anyone interested in the glamour and drama of the fashion world.

Ink in the Archives · Leslie Klinger · 2015-08-04
captivating 4.50

The book is a captivating and fast-paced account of a historic fashion show, offering a unique perspective on the birth of American fashion. It is a must-read for those interested in the cultural and historical significance of the event.

Leslie Klinger from Ink in the Archives admits to being pleasantly surprised by how captivating The Battle of Versailles is. The book is a fast-paced and engaging narrative that brings to life the 1973 fashion show that changed the course of fashion history. Klinger appreciates Givhan's ability to weave together the personal stories and cultural context, making the book both informative and entertaining. The reviewer notes that the book offers a unique perspective on the birth of American fashion and its impact on the global stage. Klinger also highlights how the book captures the glamour and drama of the event, making it a compelling read for fashion enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Quick quotes

    Givhan's talent for fast-paced, interesting nonfiction made this book a captivating read.

    A unique perspective on the birth of American fashion and its cultural significance.

    The Battle of Versailles is a must-read for anyone interested in the glamour and drama of the fashion world.

The New York Times · Alexandra Jacobs · 2015-05-03
engaging 4.00

The book vividly captures the high-stakes fashion show and its cultural significance, offering a detailed look at a pivotal moment in fashion history. It highlights the clash of styles and the emerging dominance of American fashion.

Alexandra Jacobs from The New York Times praises Robin Givhan's ability to bring the Battle of Versailles to life. The book is a meticulous account of the 1973 fashion show that pitted French haute couture against American ready-to-wear designers. Jacobs appreciates how Givhan contextualizes the event within the broader history of fashion, showing how it marked a shift in the industry. The author's research is thorough, and the narrative is engaging, making it a compelling read for fashion enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Jacobs also notes how the book highlights the personal stories and egos behind the scenes, adding a layer of drama and intrigue.

Quick quotes

    Givhan's prose is as stylish as the subject matter.

    A vivid and engaging account of a pivotal moment in fashion history.

    The Battle of Versailles is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of culture and fashion.

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