Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Randolph Duke and Kevan Hall are LA’s undisputed masters when it comes to designing a to-die-for evening dress that keeps them on red carpet celebrities’ must-call list year after year. As Matthias, a freelance makeup artist who touched us up at Smashbox Cosmetics' makeup booth remarked, “celebrities can’t take too many chances, their primary fan base is in Middle America, and anything TOO radical just won’t fly with their fans.”
He was talking about makeup, but his observation could also apply to a celebrity’s choice of red carpet attire. Neither Mr. Duke nor Mr. Hall eschews ornamentation entirely in their collections, but whatever they come up with, it’s always tasteful, count on it. Both deliver glamour and sophistication, each and every season.
This season, Randolph Duke kept to a mostly black and white palette with some stylish navy blue thrown it. He kicked off the show in true larger than life Hollywood tradition. The lights went on and there was a dramatic tableau of half a dozen or so models posed on the runway, half in white, and half in black. It was reminiscent of the theatricality of the late Mr. Blass’ shows and brought a lump to our throats.
Kevan Hall demonstrated his social conscience, rather than giving everyone in attendance a goodie bag, he created 5 handsome celebrity gift bags valued at $13,000 each, loaded with goodies such as a 2 night stay at the Intercontinental hotel with all the extras thrown that included tons of pampering at the hotel spa. Another gift was a 6 months of fine wines, delivered to your door.
The auction will begin on Oct 22 and will run for 5 consecutive weeks on www.charityfolks.com. Proceeds will go to benefit the African Millennium Foundation. Hurry up and put in your bids!
The show itself was titled, “Africa: a Safari” and the theme extended beyond the fact that he showed a wonderful zebra tunic with Swarvoski crystal trim and dresses whose colors evoked the spectacular African sunsets. Mr. Hall used fabrics that were designed and created by artisans in Africa. In doing so, he has aided in supporting their villages. The artisans as Mr. Hall are truly skilled; the palette of rich colors [deep red, turquoise, amber, peridot, and jade] was breathtakingly beautiful. The front row as usual was filled with celebrities including Rebecca De Mornay, Jessica Beals and Vanessa Williams, actors who actually wear Mr. Hall's clothes.
Then there are women who are willing to take a little more of a risk for a big soiree.
Women of this ilk should turn to San Francisco based Joseph Domingo .
Liz Taylor sometimes turned out in some real “look at me!” numbers in her day. Neither Liz nor modern day goddesses will be able to resist the piece to resistance from his latest collection - a stunning pink organza and ostrich feather gown. White was the glue that held together the soft baby pink and statement making gold pieces. He accessorized with some terrific Daniel Swarovski sunglasses that added the perfect finishing touch. While he is clearly able to deliver some jaw droppers, that’s not to say that the affable Mr. Domingo doesn’t do understated as well. The designer's favorite ensemble from the men’s line was a crisp pair of white English cotton capris and a blush pink suede tee shirt. If Mr. Halston had ever considered designing for men, he would have designed an outfit such as this one.