Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Did Halston invent Ultrasuede?
1 Answer
No, Halston did not invent Ultrasuede. However, the American fashion designer played a major role in introducing the fabric to the world. Dr. Miyoshi Okamoto invented Ultrasuede in 1970 while employed by Toray Industries, and Japanese fashion designers quickly began using it to produce pieces. Halston discovered the fabric a year later, when one such designer, Issey Miyake, wore an Ultrasuede piece that he designed for himself. In 1972, Halston introduced his first Ultrasuede piece, a water-resistant trench coat. Explore a diverse assortment of Halston apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
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Shop for Halston Fashion on 1stDibs
Halton 1970s Spring 1976 Runway Red Silk One Shoulder Documented Vintage Gown
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Approximately Size Small
Bust: 34 inches
Waist: 30 inches
Hips: 36 inches
Length top back shoulder seam to hem: 58 inches
An exceptional Vintage 1970s Halston red silk gown from the designer’s documented Spring 1976 Made to Order collection. A superb example of Halston’s famously fluid, body-conscious approach to American eveningwear.
The Halston Made to Order Spring 1976 Ready to Wear collection was presented in New York on December 4, 1975, and is preserved in the Fairchild Archive/WWD photographic archive. A closely related version of this design was photographed on the runway in black, providing important archival documentation for the design and collection. The runway gown shares the distinctive asymmetric one-shoulder concept and gathered neckline, while differing slightly in its shoulder treatment and overall draping.
Rendered here in a striking lipstick red, the gown has an extraordinarily clean, sensual bias silhouette. The asymmetric neckline sweeps diagonally across the body with soft gathering and rises into a narrow single-shoulder strap finished with a dramatic self-fabric tie. The fluid fabric follows the body without the rigid construction associated with traditional evening gowns, creating the effortless movement for which Halston’s 1970s designs became celebrated.
The long column silhouette skims the bust, waist and hips before falling toward the ankle, with subtle asymmetry and movement at the hem. Equally striking from the back, the gown’s diagonal neckline and fluid draping create a different composition from every angle.
A particularly desirable piece for a collector of 1970s American designer fashion, Halston eveningwear, documented runway designs, or minimalist vintage gowns. The brilliant red color also makes this an extraordinary choice for a gala, formal dinner, wedding reception, red-carpet event or evening occasion.
Approximately Size Small
Bust: 34 inches
Waist: 30 inches
Hips: 36 inches
Length top back shoulder seam to hem: 58 inches
Archival Documentation
Collection: Halston Made to Order Spring 1976 Ready to Wear
Presentation: December 4, 1975, New York City
Archival source: Fairchild Archive/WWD via Getty Images
Runway reference: Closely related black one-shoulder version photographed during the presentation.
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1970s American Evening Gowns
Halston 1970's Purple Fuchsia Linen Halter Dress
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signature simple, yet effective, 1970's silhouette from Halston. Luscious linen in a vibrant shade of grape purple. Elegant and figure-flattering Marilyn Monroe-esque fit and flare ...
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1970s Cocktail Dresses
Rare 1970s Halston Couture Vintage 1976 Gold Lamé One Shoulder 70s Sarong Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Best fits a modern US size 2-4 (Small).
Measurements
Bust: 32 inches
Waist: 27 inches
Hips: 36 inches
Length (top shoulder to longest point of hem): approximately 50 inches
A spectacular and exceptionally rare 1976 Halston Couture gold lamé sarong dress, embodying the effortless glamour and Studio 54-era sophistication that made Halston one of the most influential American designers of the twentieth century. Cut from luminous liquid gold lamé, this dramatic one-shoulder design features Halston’s signature Grecian-inspired draping, an elegant shoulder tie detail, and an asymmetrical sarong-style wrap silhouette that moves beautifully with the body.
This museum-worthy design represents everything collectors seek in early Halston couture: minimalist construction, luxurious fabric, sensual draping, and timeless glamour. The fluid silhouette appears deceptively simple while showcasing the masterful engineering and bias-cut techniques that established Halston as the designer of choice for fashion icons, socialites, and Hollywood royalty throughout the 1970s.
A nearly identical version of this iconic design was worn by legendary journalist and television personality Barbara Walters at the MET Gala in 1977, further cementing the style’s place in American fashion history. The design has also appeared in museum exhibitions dedicated to Halston’s groundbreaking work and was famously revisited decades later when supermodel Carmen Kass wore the same striking silhouette on the red carpet, demonstrating the enduring relevance and collectibility of Halston’s most celebrated creations.
The shimmering gold lamé fabric catches light from every angle, creating the liquid-metal effect that became synonymous with Halston’s eveningwear. Equally at home at a black-tie gala, museum event, luxury resort, or red-carpet occasion, this is the type of archival Halston couture piece that rarely surfaces on the market.
Best fits a modern US size 2-4 (Small).
Measurements
Bust: 32 inches
Waist: 27 inches
Hips: 36 inches
Length (top shoulder to longest point of hem): approximately 50 inches
Halston’s work has been collected and exhibited by major institutions including the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and his influence continues to resonate through designers such as Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, and Narciso Rodriguez.
Style this extraordinary piece with metallic Christian Louboutin heels, a sculptural Bottega Veneta clutch, vintage Cartier jewelry, or statement pieces from Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Gucci for an effortlessly glamorous look.
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Category
1970s American Evening Dresses
1976 HALSTON black velvet bias cut RUNWAY dress
By Halston
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A black ankle length velvet dress by Halston from Fall 1976 as seen on the runway. This dress has an asymmetrical neckline and long sleeves that widen slightly at the cuff, giving th...
Category
1970s North American Maxi Dress
Halston Burnt Orange Ultrasuede Dress, Circa 1970s
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic vintage Halston ultrasuede shirt dress. notch collar. long sleeves. loose fitting silhouette. 5 button closure.
✩ Roy Halston is credited with bringing the ultrasuede fabric ...
Category
1970s American Day Dresses
Halston Camel Ultrasuede Dress with Optional Belt, c.late 1970s
By Halston
Located in Alford, MA
Halston shift dress in camel ultrasuede accompanied by a matching tie belt with ivory plastic buckle, likely dated to the late 1970s-early 1980s. It is basically constructed of two p...
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