California Couture: Randolph Duke
I don’t know which was more breathtaking, Randolf Duke’s couture collection or the late Tony Duquette’s Indonesian-dream Beverly Hills estate. Both, with their stunning beauty, had guests in awe on March 15, when Lycra sponsored the event at the exotic Dawnridge Estate in Beverly Hills.
There was no second-guessing what inspired Duke when it came to designing his collection. Dazzling gowns and other evening ensembles screamed of classic Hollywood glamour—both old and new. Dresses showered in sparkling beads were reminiscent of a demure and elegant era, while a shiny, scarlet-red corset and layered skirt were devilishly bold and sexy. Other striking details were deep V-necklines, one-shoulder silhouettes and body-skimming cuts.
Duke’s use of Lycra proved to be a perfect blend of comfort and couture as well. Chatty models were overheard complimenting the wearability of some of the gowns as opposed to other hard-to-move-in pieces. (You try walking in a skin-tight, floor-length leather dress without Lycra.) Scalloped, leather floor-length skirts and pants and pinstriped wool suits and dresses were also pieces that incorporated Lycra. —Joselle Yokogawa, Fashion Editor
