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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.

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Designer: Halston
1970s Grecian Green Silk Chiffon Dress Attributed to Halston
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
1970s One Shoulder Green Silk Chiffon Dress; Draped one shoulder bodice; Pink silk chiffon waistband with cascading floor length panels. Floor length skirt with high slit at side. Fa...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Tangerine Cashmere Maxi Sleeveless Dress and Cardigan Set
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970S Halston Double cashmere sleeveless maxi dress and cardigan set in light tangerine size ; 2/4 XS or Small
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1970s American Halston

Halston 1970's Haute Couture Nude One Shoulder Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston 1970's Haute Couture Nude One Shoulder Dress. This dress exudes timeless elegance - in a sheer nude silhouette and jeweled embellishments along the neckline, this piece is tr...
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1970s Halston

Vintage Halston Halter Dress Silk Wrap Style Attached Angel Sleeve Capelet 70s
By Halston
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Fabulous vintage Halston evening or cocktail dress, likely made in the 1970s. This chic little black dress is made from gorgeous black silk, and features a halter top with an attache...
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1970s American Halston

NWT 1990s HALSTON Burgundy Ombré Silk Burnout Velvet Devore Beaded 90s Gown
By Randolph Duke, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant and regal brand new late 90s (1998) vintage HALSTON by Randolph Duke for Saks 5th Avenue silk burnout velvet devore beaded evening dress ! Couture quality with so much attent...
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1990s American Halston

1970s Halston Cerulean Blue Silk Chiffon Blue Size 6 / 8 70s Goddess Gown Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous vintage 70s HALSTON Couture cerulean blue silk chiffon goddess gown ! Simply slips over the head. There are multiple layers of the finest silk chiffon that just flow with th...
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1970s American Halston

1976 Halston Red One Shoulder Gown
By Halston
Located in Austin, TX
1976 Halston red one shoulder gown as seen in Met Collection 28" bust, 26" waistm 29" hips, 57" length Condition: Excellent fits sz 2 - 6
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1970s American Halston

Vintage 1970's Halston Couture Ice Blue Beaded Silk Fringe Disco Cardigan Jacket
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A truly epic and instantly recognizable Halston couture ice blue semi-sheer beaded silk cardigan jacket dating back to the mid 1970's. Halston revolutionized the way women dress and ...
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1970s American Halston

Vintage 1970's Halston Couture Iridescent Beaded Black Silk One-Shoulder Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An absolutely stunning and highly desirable Halston couture fully beaded silk one-shoulder dress dating back to the mid 1970's. Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one ...
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1970s American Halston

Halston 1970s Lipstick Red Silk Chiffon Fully Sequin Vintage 70s Sleeveless Top
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful late 1970s HALSTON lipstick / candy apple red silk chiffon sleeveless top ! This beauty comes from the Halston Sportswear line. Thousands of hand-sewn red sequins on top of...
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1970s Indian Halston

Halston Purple Chiffon Halter Dress, c.1970s.
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston Purple Chiffon Halter Dress, c.1970s. Halston layered chiffon purple halter dress with empire bodice and handkerchief skirt. Low cut back ...
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1970s American Halston

1970's HALSTON black velvet bias cut dress
By Halston
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Very rare, jet black velvet, bias cut gown designed by Roy Halston Frowick dating to the 1970's. Labeled a size 4. Dress best fits a 2 to a slim 6. Approximate measurements (unstretc...
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1970s North American Halston

Vintage 1970's Halston Couture Purple Silk Strapless Tube-Top Maxi Dress Set
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An absolutely gorgeous and incredibly rare Halston couture royal purple strapless gown ensemble dating back to his spring-summer 1978 collection. Halston revolutionized the way women...
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1970s American Halston

Halston 1970s Silk Wrap Dress
By Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich black silk wrap dress by Halston. It has a wrap front, draped neckline buttoning at the shoulder and long dolman sleeves with pointed b...
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1970s American Halston

Halston for I. Magnin fur coat with suede trim, 1970s
By Halston
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Nutria fur coat with large collar and suede trim from Halston dating to the late 1970's. Fits a size 4 or 6. Approximate measurements: 15" shoulders, bust 40", waist 40", hem width 4...
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1970s American Halston

Halston 09 ivory cream plisse grecian style backless wedding maxi dress gown 42
By Halston
Located in Paris, FR
Halston 2009 Floor length grecian style plisse gown in cream Completely backless cut Composition: 100% Cupro Size : Marked as a size 42 - I believe this ...
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Early 2000s Italian Halston

1970s Halston Couture Nude Silk Chiffon Semi Sheer Bias Cut Vintage 70s Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and classic HALSTON 1970s nude silk chiffon semi sheer sleeveless dress ! Two layers of the most luxurious silk chiffon drapes the body beautifully. Hidden snaps up the sid...
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1970s American Halston

Halston NWT $12k Vintage Size 6 Open Back Black Silk Sequin Gown Dress
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Insanely beautiful, rare, AND important brand new with original $12,000 price tag (would equal well over $20,000 today), this vintage HALSTON Couture...
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1990s Italian Halston

1970s Halston Red + Ivory White Silk Long Bell Sleeve Vintage 70s Dress + Sash
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful late 70s HALSTON for BERGDORF GOODMAN lipstick red and off-white abstract silk dress and sash ! Simply slips over the head with a hook-and-eye closure at back center neck. ...
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1970s American Halston

1970's HALSTON black bias silk cut dress with high slit
By Halston
Located in San Fransisco, CA
Jet-black, bias-cut dress with high center front slit from Halston dating to the late 1970's. Best fits a US 4-6. Approximate measurements are 34" at bust, 33" at waist and 46" in t...
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1970s American Halston

Vintage HALSTON 1970s Tropical Jersey 2 Piece Ensemble Skirt Halter Top OOAK
By Halston
Located in Asheville, NC
Halston, Vintage 1970's, Jersey Blend, Halter Top with Neck and Waist Tie, Metal Talon Zipper on Side of Skirt, One Pocket on Skirt, Vintage Size 10, Rare, One of a Kind! Measuremen...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston For Study Design Flower Silk Crepe Vintage 70s Tunic + Trousers
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible vintage 70s HALSTON silk crepe tunic top and wide leg pants ! This would be best for design inspiration / study, as there are multiple tears and holes—some of which have b...
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1970s American Halston

Halston 1970s Documented Beaded Dress
By Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
Featured in "Halston: An American Original" by Elaine Gross and Red Rottham, this beautiful sleeveless off white silk dress from Halston is comple...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Hand Painted Silk Chiffon Tulips
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful Halston Hand Painted Silk Chiffon Tulips 2 piece evening gown. A simple oversized kimono sleeve T overshirt in sheer hand painted chiffon i...
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1970s American Halston

NWT 2000s Halston Brown Ombré Silk Chiffon Mink Trimmed Size 2 / 4 Y2K Gown
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning new with tags early 2000s HALSTON for SAKS 5th AVENUE, by Randolph Duke evening gown. Brown ombré silk chiffon trimmed in mink. This deadstock vintage dress...
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Early 2000s American Halston

Halston Dress 1970s
By Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
A silk blend sheath dress in a gorgeous shade pink from Halston. It has a soft V neckline, dolman sleeves with a self covered button at the wrists, and side seam pockets. The dress ...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Purple Sheer Sequin Gown
By Halston
Located in Waterford, MI
Sheer purple maxi gown. Longsleeve. Sequin detail. Rear snap closures. Silk. *Condition: excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying Flat (inches)— Shoulder to Shoulder...
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1970s Halston

1970s HALSTON Baby Blue Sleeveless Cashmere Vintage Sweater 70s Dress
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s HALSTON Baby Blue Sleeveless Cashmere Sweater 70s maxi Dress. Fit Size 2/4/6 Bust: 32 - 36 inch Waist: 32- 36 inch Hip : 36 - 38 inch / Dress Length: 55 inch **** This Garme...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Cashmere Knitted Dress, 2000s
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston cashmere knitted dress with decor made of metal elements. Additional information: Fabric: 100% cashmere Size: XS-S Period: 2000s Condition: V...
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Early 2000s American Halston

Vintage Halston Navy Blue Chiffon Slip Dress
By Halston
Located in Carmel, CA
Halston chiffon dress features a long-sleeve layer that has an elasticized waist and a hook & eye closure. Slip has a V-neckline and tan/neutral-...
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1970s Halston

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 ...
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1970s Unknown Halston

1970s Halston Vintage Black Stretch Strapless Tube Top
By Halston
Located in Portland, OR
This is a 1970's vintage Halston black puckered elastic tube top. It has really unique elastic veins along the inside of the fabric that create a unique pucke...
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1970s American Halston

1960s Halston Ivory White Brown Mongolian Lamb Fur Vintage 60s Hat and Muff Rare
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and super rare early 60s HALSTON Mongolian lamb fur hat and matching muff ! Jackie O Kennedy wore a Halston hat and muff to the 1961 presidential inau...
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1960s American Halston

1970s Halston Purple Plunging One Piece Vintage 70s Halter Swimsuit Bodysuit
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and sexy 1970s HALSTON purple one piece plunging halter swimsuit OR bodysuit ! Beautiful purple jewel tone color. This rare beauty is one of 6 Halston swimsuits...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Nude Washable Ultrasuede Belted Tunic and Pant Safari Set - M, 1970s
By Halston
Located in Tucson, AZ
Designers Roy Halston and Yves Saint Laurent both revolutionized women's daywear by introducing safari collections that incorporated practical elements like large pockets, hoods and drawstrings into the clothing newly-liberated women favored. This two-piece ensemble goes one step further with Halston's signature use of ultrasuede, which is both machine washable and dryable. Vintage pant...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Black Strapless Bandeau Keyhole Vintage 70s Swimsuit / Bodysuit
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare museum piece ! This original 1970s HALSTON black strapless one piece swimsuit comes form an original Halstonette model who wore it for a photo shoot in the 70s. Intricate stitch...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Silk Wrap Dress 1970s
By Halson, Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful black silk dress from Halston. It has a plunging neckline, cape sleeves and wraps at the front waist. The skirt portion is straight gathering onto a waistband which hooks...
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1970s American Halston

Halston 1970s Wrap Beaded Gown
By Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
An amazingly detailed elegant red silk beaded wrap dress from Halston. The floor length gown is covered in red glass tubular beads in an intricate abstract shapes pattern with red ne...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Silk Crepe Faux Wrap Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston's Deceptively Easy Pullover Silk Crepe Faux Wrap Dress printed with colorful pomegranates on a beige ground. Designed as a faux wrap dress which is closed at the waist in a s...
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1970s American Halston

1970’s Halston Silver Crochet Skull Cap with Sequins
By Halston
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Roy Halston Frowick began his career as a hat designer. He was best known for his pillbox style creations before expanding into women's wear and revolutionizing the way his jet set clients dressed for daytime to disco nights. This rainbow sequin and silver knit crochet hat...
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1970s American Halston

1970S Halston Cream Silk Jersey Plunging Neckline Gown With Angora & Cashmere K
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
This gown has a modesty panel inside for options of wear. Beautifully hand finished and in near mint condition 1970S Halston Cream Silk Jersey Plunging Neckline Gown...
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1970s Halston

Halston 1970s Salmon Peach Ultrasuede Vintage 70s Belted Jacket and Skirt Suit
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Beyond chic HALSTON ultra suede salmon / peach jacket and skirt ensemble ! The perfect color for anytime of year - not quite pink, but not quite ta...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Green Matte Jersey sleeveless Dress with Cape
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Vintage HALSTON Green Matte Jersey Maxi Dress with Cape Cap sleeves maxi dress. matte Jersey Size : fit 2/4/6 small - medium Measurement : Bust :...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Purple Wool Long Sleeve Vintage Chic 70s Tailored Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic late 70s HALSTON purple wool long sleeve dress ! Features the perfect color purple that looks great on any skin tone. Tailored bodice with a slight A-Line skirt. Hidden zipper up the back with hook-and-eye closure. Pockets at each side of thew waist. Fully lined. Great belted or alone. The pictured 90s Jane August...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Purple Chiffon & Jersey Dress
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is pleased to offer a vintage Halston dress featuring a flowy chiffon overlay, knee-length hem, fitted underlay, and scoop...
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1970s Halston

Purple silk velvet Opéra coat Halston
By Halston
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Purple silk velvet Opéra coat. SIZE L
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1970s American Halston

NWT 1970s Halston IV Purple / Pink One Size Fits All Vintage 70s Maxi Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Deadstock (new with original store tags attached) 1970s HALSTON IV purple/pink long sleeve maxi dress ! Features a slinky jersey with a matching tie belt. Hook-and-eye closure at center neck. In great unworn condition with store tags still attached. Made in USA Marked One Size Fits All...
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1970s American Halston

Vintage Halston Gorgeous Size 8 Botanical Tropical Print Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous vintage HALSTON vibrant colored Hawaiian / Tropical print maxi dress! Features a terracotta backdrop with brightly colored abstract flowers in purple, red, orange, sorbet, g...
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Late 20th Century American Halston

Halston Silk Chiffon Jersey Grecian Goddess Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston's iconic ivory cream fine silk jersey two piece Grecian goddess dress. The separate strapless boned bustier bodice of ruched and pleated chiffon ...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Purple Silk Single Shoulder Silk Evening Gown 1970's
By Halston
Located in Studio City, CA
1970's Halston purple silk evening gown with a single shoulder strap and wrap skirt featuring a draped waist tie. The silk fabric which the bodice and waist tie are fabricated from i...
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1970s American Halston

1970s HALSTON Cashmere Camel Tan 70s Vintage Dress and Cardigan Sweater Jacket
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
No one did cashmere or beading quite like HALSTON! This chic 1970s HALSTON ensemble consists of a long cashmere cardigan and sleeveless cashmere...
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1970s Scottish Halston

1970s Halston chiffon skirt and top sheer
By Halston
Located in Austin, TX
1970s Halston chiffon skirt and top - sheer. Condition: good, some wear and discoloration on skirt 24" waist Size XS Skirt : 24" Waist, 42" Hips, 35"...
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1970s Halston

1970s Halston Silk Jersey Champagne Slinky Sleeveless Vintage 70s Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 1970s HALSTON silk jersey slinky dress ! The perfect champagne / buttercream / soft yellow color is great for any time of year. Simply sl...
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1970s American Halston

1980s Halston Multi Color Sequin Mesh Cardigan Jacket and Black Velvet Skirt Set
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage Halston Multi color sequins in red, blue, silver on sheer meshJacket/ Cardigan and black velvet wrap skirt. Perfect for studio 54 party or holiday cocktail event. Fit size : ...
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1980s Halston

Halston 1970s Brown Rust H Logo Buckles Two Piece Vintage 70s Bikini Swimsuit
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Another 1970s HALSTON brown / rust two piece bikini swimsuit ! This is one of five swimsuits from a halstonette model herself. Ivory colored lucite buckles in the signature H shape. ...
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1970s American Halston

Iconic Halston Matte Jersey Gown
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Halston Bias Matte Jersey Gown which became one of his iconic designs. His ability to pare down seams and volumes is evident in this amazingly ...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Checked Wool Cape Skirt Ensemble
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Elegant Halston Checked Wool Cape Skirt Ensemble composed of open cape and long flared skirt in a brown/beige check. Cape is simply cut with front slash opening. Bias skirt is ingeni...
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1970s American Halston

Halston Goddess Dress Circa 1970’s
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Goddess Dress by Halston Circa 1970s Burgundy Draped sleeves Slip-on Scoop neck dress Sheer sleeves layers Lined interior Condition: Excellent vintage c...
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1970s American Halston

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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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