Once upon a time...

. . . in 1973 in a land called France, there was a palace. The palace was called Versailles. The Palace of Versailles was in need of restoration, so fairy Godparents, Eleanor Lambert and curator Gerald Van der Kemp decided to raise money for the restoration. This fundraiser would be a fashion show which pitted French designers: Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Dior and Hurbert de Givenchy against American designers: Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, Halston, Bill Blass and Anne Klein along with assistant Donna Karan.

There was 700 in attendance with great entertainment from Liza Minnelli and Josephine Baker, the event was legendary.

The Parisian designers viewed their competitors as mere sportswear designers. The American designers used an unprecedented number of Black models for the time, eleven. The Americans stole the show.

The Kansas City Metropolitan Gala would like to honor these legendary designers and models at our inaugural red carpet gala. The festivities will include: Celebrity Host, Fashion Show, Documentary viewing, Cocktail hour, Dinner, Awards, Live entertainment and much more.

This will be a legendary night with legendary stars.

Sponsorship/Underwriting opportunities are available. Email us for underwriter form.