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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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Color:  Beige
Designer: 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...
Category

1960s 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...
Category

1970s 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 ...
Category

1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Silk Jersey Champagne Slinky Sleeveless Vintage 70s Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
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...
Category

1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Ultra Suede Tan Brown Vintage 70s Fedora Hat
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s HALSTON ultra suede tan fedora hat ! Features the soft versatile ultra suede Halston was known for. Can easily be washed in the washing ...
Category

1970s American Halston

1970S HALSTON Gold Beaded Silk Famous Fireworks Fire Cracker Gown
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Some areas of wear and repairs where the fabric has been backed for support. Fully lined in silk. 1970S HALSTON Gold Beaded Silk Famous Fireworks Fire Cra...
Category

1970s American Halston

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Previously Available Items
1970s HALSTON Ultrasuede Tan Sand Belted Vintage 70s Shirt Dress Duster Jacket
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Located in San Diego, CA
The possibilities are endless with this chic 1970s HALSTON ultrasuede long sleeve belted shirt dress or duster trench jacket ! Features the perfect neutral color. Sleek shape with a ...
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Halston 1970s Ultra Suede Khaki Beige Sand Sleeveless Vintage 70s Belted Dress
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H Halston by Kevan Hall Gown
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1970'S HALSTON Iconic Sequin Cloud Dress Gown
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Halston MET Musuem 1970s Fully Fringed Beaded Flapper Style Vintage 70s Dress
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Halston Couture Pastel Rainbow Hand Beaded -Sequin Silk Dress Gown, 1970s
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1975 Halston Couture Ivory Pearl Beaded Swirl Silk Halter Backless Wrap Gown
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1972 Halston Couture Watercolor Print Silk Backless Draped Halter Mini Dress
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Gorgeous and rare Halston designer watercolor tie-dye silk chiffon halter dress. Halston's handpainted series from the early 1970's was produced by famed textile house Up Tied. Up Tied was an American textile house specialising in tie-dyed fabrics They won a special Coty Award for "major creativity in fabrics" in 1970. Halston revolutionized the way women dress and is one of the few designers, alongside Claire McCardell and Norman Norell, to define what is American fashion. Throughout most of the seventies he epitomized the glamour, as well as the decadence of the era, becoming a central figure in the nightlife scene of New York's Studio 54. He was known for his soft body-conscious clothing with beautiful draping. This stunning disco dress is a perfect example of his genius. The fabric itself is a masterpiece; watercolor "light as a feather" tie-dye silk chiffon in a rainbow of colors. The chic backless halter design with elasticized waist makes this garment so comfortable and effortless to wear. Its the perfect piece to throw on during the day with sandals or sexy platforms for night. This is that versatile unique garment every fashionista looks for. Measurements Bust:32-36 inches due to backless design Waist:24-28 inches due to elasticized waist Hips:up to 50 inches Total Length:34 inches This Halston Couture...
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Rare Halston Silk Crepe Tulip Skirt Documented Runway Rare 70s Montaldo's S/M
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Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This amazing tulip skirt was made by Halston in the mid 1970 and was documented in the runway photo shown as image 9 (as modeled by Pat Cleveland, one of the original Halstonettes). ...
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Halston Vintage Wool Pillbox Hat with Beaded Stick Pin, 1960s
By Halston
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Here's an early pillbox hat from Halston, who started off making his own hats in the 1950s, before being known for his clothing in the 1970s. Made from a vanilla wool, this hat feat...
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Halston Triple Layered Structured Organza Wrap Dress circa 1970s
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage dress by Halston circa 1970s Cream colored heavy organza Wrap style in front with hook closures inside of waist 3 layered large collar and multi layered skirt to create volum...
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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
  • 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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