In 1973, the world was changing. Disruptive cultural movements emerged from political and social events such as the third wave of feminism, the Vietnam War, and the fight for civil rights: that same year saw the rise of hip-hop, minimalism in design, and New Journalism offering a transgressive view of reality. But fashion, a reliable social barometer throughout history, was outdated. Parisian designers dictated the trends, and none of them seemed to reflect the zeitgeist of the time.
Everything changed on November 28th of that year, when French designers faced off against Americans in what became known as the Battle of Versailles . The goal: to raise funds to restore the dilapidated French palace.
The show pitted five American designers against five French designers. The American designers Anne Klein, Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Stephen Burrows, and Bill Blass were considered more innovative and less traditional than the French designers, who included Yves Saint Laurent, Hubert de Givenchy, Emanuel Ungaro, Pierre Cardin, and Christian Dior. Welcome to the Battle of Versailles , the event that changed the history of fashion forever.
Designed Designed by Ferran Renalias (Lacrimosa, Take a Seat, The Origin of Spices) and Eloi Pujadas (Take a Seat, Zoom in Barcelona, VIP RIP), and illustrated by Malen Company , The Battle of Versailles is a game for two players where one takes on the role of France and the other the United States. They will face off in a duel where they must put their best outfits on the line to attract the celebrities of the moment or spread rumors that will tarnish the opposing team. They must also contribute to the reconstruction of the Palace of Versailles.
The French player had 5 actions per round, representing what was a show of more than 2 and a half hours, while the American had only 3 actions per round, since his parade barely lasted 37 minutes.
The game has different victory conditions for each side:
- France tries to stay at the top of the industry, while the Americans must try to wrest that prestige away.
- The French must contribute to the reconstruction of Versailles to raise national self-esteem and honor.
- Both teams are fighting to control the most influential celebrities of the moment.
- The American must show how innovative his dresses are (as happened in reality).
