'Battle of Versailles' - A Fashionable Affair at the French Ambassador's Residence
Last week, on a beautiful spring night, the recently renovated French Ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C. (which is resplendent) was the chic place to be. A coveted guest list that included D.C. socialites, media personalities, restaurateurs and fashionistas gathered to celebrate Pulitzer Prize Winning Author and Washington Post fashion critic, Robin Givhan and her debut novel, Battle of Versailles.
French Ambassador to the United States Gérard Araud co-hosted this elegant book signing soirée with TAA PR's President and Founder Aba Kwawu. Special guest, the emperor of fashion, André Leon Talley, former Vogue Editor-At-Large, offered praise for Givhan's literary work which focused on the 1973 epic fashion show "battle" that pitted 5 French courtiers (Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, Emanuel Ungaro and Marc Bohan de Christian Dior) against 5 American designers (Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Anne Klein, Halston and Stephen Burrows) at the Palace of Versailles (you'll have to read the book to see who was deemed le gagnant).
This evening though would not be complete without a mention of the gastro-chic bites and French-centric libations. The savory canapés included foie gras, salmon tea sandwiches, asparagus tempura, and mini croque monsieur which countered perfectly with an assortment of delicious mignardises (which included my favorite - macarons). All went superbly well with the flowing flutes of champagne and pastis (my first, and definitely not last, glass of the season).
MERCI to Laetitia of French Twist D.C. for bringing me as her guest. It's night that I'll always remember. Also, c'était un grand plaisir to finally meet Aba of TAA PR and Francesca of the French Embassy in Washington D.C. in person.
Here are some of my photos from this nuit inoubliable:
The pièce de résistance of the evening
Pure elegance
(L to R): André Leon Talley, former Vogue Editor-At-Large | Pulitzer Prize Winning Author and Washington Post fashion critic, Robin Givhan |
French Ambassador to the United States Gérard Araud
Laetitia and I with our glasses of champagne and pastis ... bien sûr ;-)
Gorgeous assortment of delicious macarons
Refreshing and très français - Pastis
Dans toute sa splendeur
