Halston

American, 1932-1990

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.

Average Sold Price

$901

Related Designers

Rare 1970s Halston Couture Vintage 1976 Gold Lamé One Shoulder 70s Sarong Dress

$12,500

Size: Small

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. vintage halston couture dress, 1976 halston, gold lamé dress, gold lame gown, one shoulder evening dress, sarong dress, studio 54 fashion...

Category

1970s American Halston

Halston 1981 Black on Black Bugle and Caviar Beaded Sheer Chiffon Coat

$5,800

Size: One Size Fits Most, Medium

Halston 1981 Black on Black Bugle and Caviar Beaded Sheer Chiffon Coat

By Halston

Located in New Hope, PA

First let me say that some of the photos have been lightened to show the detail of the coat. It is a true black and you see this in the second full length photo. Halston designed thi...

Category

1980s American Halston

Halston 1970's Purple Fuchsia Linen Halter Dress

$795

L 42 in

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 ...

Category

1970s Halston

1970's HALSTON green silk bias cut handkerchief hem dress with wrap & scarf

$3,200

Size: 2-8

1970's HALSTON green silk bias cut handkerchief hem dress with wrap & scarf

By Halston

Located in San Fransisco, CA

Stunning dark green silk mousseline designed by Roy Halston dress dating to the 1970's. Cut with a plunging neckline and fine spaghetti straps, the dress falls in soft layers with an...

Category

1970s North American Halston

Halston Iconic Ultra Feather Faux Suede Cropped Zippered Jacket c 1970s Petite

$800

Size: Petite

Halston Iconic Ultra Feather Faux Suede Cropped Zippered Jacket c 1970s Petite

By Halston

Located in University City, MO

Halston Iconic ultra - feather faux suede bomber style zippered jacket c 1970s Petite Size The stylish petite size cropped hunter green zippered jacket is constructed with Halston's ...

Category

1970s Unknown Halston

Halston Resort Cream Sequin Shirt Dress Tie Belt, 1974

$1,650

Size: M

Halston Resort Cream Sequin Shirt Dress Tie Belt, 1974

By Halston

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Radiant little hand-sequined 1974 Halston Resort dress. Halston began to embrace the glossy allure of full sequin silhouettes around 1973. The sequin technique he used during this ti...

Category

20th Century Halston

Vintage Halston 1970s Lilac Cashmere Knit Halter Dress, Museum-Owned

$1,820

L 37.5 in

Vintage Halston 1970s Lilac Cashmere Knit Halter Dress, Museum-Owned

By Halston

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

A beautiful example of early 1970s Halston design, this vintage lilac cashmere knit halter dress embodies the effortless sophistication and understated luxury that made Halston one o...

Category

1970s American Halston

Vintage Halston 1980s Coral Silk Crepe Asymmetrical Cocktail Dress Museum-Owned

$1,420

Vintage Halston 1980s Coral Silk Crepe Asymmetrical Cocktail Dress Museum-Owned

By Halston

Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Preowned, vintage 1980 Halston coral silk crepe dress. Effortlessly elegant, this striking dress exemplifies Halston's mastery of clean lines, fluid draping, and sensual simplicity. ...

Category

1980s American Halston

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Halston Sale Prices

Sold Date

Sold Price

Category

Period

2026	$1,400	Evening Dresses and Gowns, Day Dresses	1970s
2026	$1,000	Evening Dresses	1970s
2026	$350	Ball Gowns	21st Century and Contemporary
2026	$700	Evening Dresses and Gowns	1970s
2025	$760	Evening Dresses and Gowns	Late 20th Century
2025	$750	Hats	1970s
2025	$1,350	Evening Gowns	1970s

$901

Average sold price of items in the past 12 months

$350-$1,400

Sold price range of items in the past 12 months

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Halston fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Halston fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, purple, green and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of James Galanos, Donna Karan, and Pauline Trigère appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Halston fashion from top boutiques around the world. Halston fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $395 and tops out at $12,500, while the average work can sell for $2,320.

Questions About Halston

What is the Halston look?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 6, 2024
The Halston look is the term for a style of evening wear created by designer Roy Halston that was popular during the 1970s. He was well known for designing dresses with plunging halter necks and open backs. Liza Minnelli, Lauren Hutton and Elizabeth Taylor are just some of the celebrities who sported the Halston look. On 1stDibs, find a range of Halston apparel.
What is the difference between Halston and Halston Heritage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The main difference between Halston and Halston Heritage is the price point. Halston is the primary brand and commands a luxury price point, whereas Halston Heritage is a contemporary brand with a more attainable price point. Shop a selection of both Halston and Halston Heritage garments on 1stDibs.
What was Halston famous for?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Halston was famous for his work as a fashion designer.

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, known simply as Halston, a lean moniker that represented the visionary minimalist ideals he would inject into the world of fashion.

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 for 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. In one season, 60,000 were sold. Ultrasuede became a Halston signature, and he would use the fabric in coats, luggage and other items.

On 1stDibs, find vintage Halston apparel and accessories.
What is a Halston dress?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
A Halston dress is any dress produced by the American fashion house of Halston. 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, 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. Halston is also well known for its seductive, bodycon evening dresses that helped define the style trends of the 1970s. On 1stDibs, find an assortment of Halston dresses.
Did Halston invent Ultrasuede?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
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.
What made Halston famous?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
What made Halston famous was a piece he made for a high-profile client. In 1961, Jackie Kennedy wore a pillbox hat he designed for President John F. Kennedy's inauguration, launching designer Roy Halston into the spotlight. 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. Ultimately, 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. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of Halston apparel.
Does the Halston brand still exist?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, the Halston brand does indeed still exist. Now owned by Xcel Brands, Halston’s ready-to-wear line is still designing and producing clothes, keeping the brand’s feminine aesthetic alive and well. You can shop a collection of properly vetted vintage Halston designs from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
Is there still a Halston clothing line?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, there is still a Halston clothing line as of December 2021. Xcel Brands owns the fashion house. Marie Mazelis serves as the creative director, and Robert Rodriguez is responsible for designing sportswear and dresses for the label. Shop a range of Halston apparel on 1stDibs.