Patrick Kelly 1989 Red Rhinestone Question Mark Dress, RARE

Incredible and RARE 1989 Patrick Kelly museum-worthy piece. Bette Davis wore a red version designed just for her by Kelly for a David Letterman appearance in April 1989, less than a year before both Davis and Kelly's passing.

The film icon famously used the question mark rhinestone embellishments to playfully interrogate Letterman. “Patrick Kelly made this dress just for me, just for your show. Now you see what they are?” she asked Letterman. “They are question marks. You are always asking questions, are you not? Well, I thought tonight I might ask you a question.”

Patrick Kelly's whimsical and thought-provoking designs have stood the test of time, and this eye-catching number is a shining example. Black wool jersey decorated with glowing red faceted glass rhinestone buttons arranged in three question marks on the front. Sleek form-fitting silhouette with a mock-neck, long sleeves, light shoulder pads, and a mid-calf hemline.

Ultra rare, only a few are known to exist amongst collectors and museums. This same design with clear glass rhinestones rather than red was on display at the 2004 Brooklyn Museum Retrospective on Patrick Kelly. ASU/FIDM has the clear version as well. We adore this vibrant red iteration. 

Excellent condition.

Best fits a modern US 2. Gentle stretch to the wool jersey.

Length: 40"

Bust: 32"

Waist: 25"

Hip: 32"

Sleeve: 23"