Halston Goddess Dress Circa 1970’s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: 2/4 (US)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU58339799432
Halston
Recognized for the understated but wholly glamorous fashions he introduced in the 1970s, and revered today for his vintage dresses, sunglasses, handbags and other enduring designs, Roy Halston Frowick defined the spare, body-conscious style of the so-called Studio 54 era. In doing so, he became a legend himself, known simply as Halston, a lean moniker that represented the visionary minimalist ideals he would inject into the world of fashion.
Born in Des Moines, Iowa — but raised in Evansville, Indiana — Halston moved to Chicago in 1952, where he worked as a window dresser by day and studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago at night. In the late 1950s, he moved to New York City. As the hat designer for Bergdorf Goodman, he had his first encounter with fame in 1961 when Jackie Kennedy wore a pillbox hat he designed to President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration. Less than a decade later, after hats fell out of fashion and sales plummeted, Halston launched his own ready-to-wear line and opened a Madison Avenue boutique.
One of Halston’s early successes was the sexy Ultrasuede shirtdress, an unassuming adaptation of a man’s oxford shirt introduced in 1972 that became a fashion staple for the well-dressed woman. Named for a washable synthetic fabric that evokes the feel of suede — Halston is said to have previously seen innovative designer Issey Miyake wearing the material — the Ultrasuede shirtdress was cut to complement many figures with buttons that began at the breastbone rather than at the garment’s structured neckline. In one season, 60,000 were sold. Ultrasuede became a Halston signature, and he would use the fabric in coats, luggage and other items.
But it was his seductively simple nightlife designs that made Halston an international name. Often cut on the bias or sewn with single seams, his garments were constructed to flatter the female form like no evening gowns that had come before, popularizing such styles as the halter dress. “Halston brought a spark of the divine to everything he did,” said model Pat Cleveland during an interview about the 2021 Netflix series based on his life.
And, for a while, the designer was as ubiquitous in the clubs as his designs. “For two decades, [Halston] was the king of New York nightlife,” wrote Steven Gaines in Vanity Fair. He was a regular at Studio 54, partying with the likes of Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli and his Halstonettes, his coterie of glamorous models and muses that included Elsa Peretti. The close friend and collaborator of Halston’s transformed diamond jewelry for Tiffany & Co. after signing a contract with the storied American luxury house in 1974.
Halston won four Coty American Fashion Critics' Awards over the course of his career. In 1973, he sold his company to Norton Simon, and in the early 1980s, it switched ownership again. By 1984, neither his name nor his company were his own. Halston continued to work, however. He collaborated with close friend and legendary choreographer Martha Graham, designing critically acclaimed costumes for her, including for her dance work Persephone in 1987. Halston died of complications from AIDS in 1990.
Today, Halston’s designs can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and more.
Find vintage Halston clothing and fashion accessories today on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Los Angeles, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Attico Color Block Sequin Wrap DressLocated in Los Angeles, CAColor block sequin wrap dress by Attico Wrap style mini dress V-neckline Color-blocked multicolored sequins throughout Blouson Long sleeves with t...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Oscar de la Renta Green Strapless Gown (Circa 2010 -)By Oscar De La RentaLocated in Los Angeles, CAGreen Strapless Vintage Gown by Oscar de la Renta Green Silver square pattern detail Strapless Dress has shorter curved cut out in front with longer back detail Back of dress has ruched detail Back zip closure Heart shaped neckline Dress has corset bra...Category
2010s North American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Jean Paul Gaultier Pleated Dress FW2002By Jean Paul GaultierLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage Pleated Stitched Long Dress by Jean Paul Gaultier Femme Fall / Winter 2002 Ready-To-Wear Made in Italy Black Long sleeve Floor length dress Turtle neckline Pleated and stitch...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Bob Mackie Purple Sequin Mardi Gras GownBy Bob MackieLocated in Los Angeles, CAVintage Purple Sequin Mardi Gras Gown by Bob Mackie Boutique Circa 1980s Purple/pink Long sleeve Purple and pink floral beaded and sequin embellish...Category
1980s North American Evening Gowns
- Missoni Long Sleeve Wave Knit DressBy MissoniLocated in Los Angeles, CALong Sleeve Wave Knit Dress by Missoni Circa late 90s Green/Blue/Black Knit wave stripe detail throughout dress Long sleeve Fabric stretches Dress has black spaghetti strap slip Mad...Category
1990s Unknown Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Givenchy Bandage Cutout DressBy GivenchyLocated in Los Angeles, CABandage cutout dress by Givenchy Made in Italy Red Three-quarter sleeves Gathered shoulder detail Shoulder pads Cutouts throughout bodice and back Decor...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage 1930's Pleated & Ruched Amber Satin Dress UK 10 US 6Located in Cheltenham, GBA beauty to behold, this original 1930's satin dress rendered in the most sumptuous shade of amber satin, is the perfect statement piece for your special occasion wardrobe. The rou...Category
1930s Evening Dresses
- Mariano Fortuny Claret Delphos. Provenance Tina ChowBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated claret colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording. The beads are amber glass with...Category
Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
- Mariano Fortuny Sienna Peplos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYThis dress is made of finely pleated sienna colored silk with silk cording along side seams,shoulders and tunic hem with multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
...CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Peplos
- Mariano Fortuny Rare Shell Pink Long Sleeved Delphos GownBy FortunyLocated in Riverdale, NYDescription: This dress is made of finely pleated shell pink colored silk with silk cording along side seams, and multicolored glass beads threaded through the cording.
CategoryEarly 20th Century Italian Art Deco Delphos Gowns
Gertrude Arzt of Huntington (Texas) Silk/Satin Metallic Gold GownLocated in Sharon, CTA rare 1960's formal dress by important American designer Gertrude Arzt of Huntington Texas. Indian inspired overall pattern in gold thread on a satin/silk morphing color from yello...Category1960s American Evening Gowns
Paco Rabanne Made in Paris Cocktail DressBy Paco RabanneLocated in Sharon, CTScalloped layers of material, fully line. zipper on side. Fits American size 4-6Category1980s French Cocktail Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer
Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)
The Best Ways to Dress for Your Astrological Sign
Makeup and astrology expert Linda Mason dispenses fashion advice for every zodiac sign. Does your wardrobe match your horoscope?