At Randolph Duke, the models paused behind a scrim before taking their turn on a white runway sprinkled with tiny silver sequins. Marilyn Monroe seemed to be the inspiration for a white pleated Lurex velvet number and a series of beaded nude illusion gowns, whereas Duke's full-skirted pleated dance dresses and the black selenium-beaded chiffon gowns recalled Jean Dessés' '50s fashions and '70s Halston, respectively.
The enthusiastic audience, dotted with West Coast stylists, exploded into applause at the sight of a crystal-beaded illusion dress worn by Ling. Come Oscar time, it is certain that many of these dresses will make the transition from the catwalk to the red carpet.
