Randolph Duke made his formal evening wear debut during fall 1997 and immediately gained a steadfast following and was dressing stars like Hilary Swank, Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone and Celine Dion for major red carpet events. His shows from Fall 2000 onward are well documented and this dress is not in them making it Spring 2000 or earlier. Angie Harmon wore a similar dress on the red carpet in 2000. The dress bears its original sample label making it either the piece that would have been shown on the runway or the showroom sample that buyers would have seen to buy this design for the upcoming season. If Duke was known for his ability to showcase a woman's body, then this dress takes that to the extreme. It has a barely there feel to it. It plunges almost to the waist at the front. The slit created by the wrapped over effect on the skirt is just shy of being scandalous, under that front draped knot the dress is held together with just a few tacks, and the back is left equally as bare. The fabric is a clinging red crepe jersey and it slinks over the body and drapes into place, moving like liquid with your body. It's simplicity and bareness hide a high level of technical skill that keeps the dress all perfectly in place where it should be. It is quite beautiful and a rare example of his work made even rare by being the original sample. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a back hidden set zipper. Inner waist stay hooks to close. Perhaps the slightest of grubbiness to the hem but I am being really picky. Bias cut so will accommodate a variety of figures. Mainly hand made

Bust: no true side seams and should fit most busts
Inner waist stay: adjust from a 23" to a 26"
Hips: should fit most hips as it not truly closed at the front
Length: 69" from top of shoulder to the back hem, the slit at the front adjusts with movement

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3016

Reference Photos: Angie Harmon in Randolph Duke at the 2000 Emmy Awards on September 10, 2000.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.