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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
Dealer: Brent Edward Vintage
1970s Halston Cerulean Blue Silk Chiffon Blue Size 6 / 8 70s Goddess Gown Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
*Model in video is US Size 6, and 5’8 feet tall* 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 the wind and movement. An iconic museum...
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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

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

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 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...
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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

1970s HALSTON Cashmere Camel Tan 70s Vintage Dress and Cardigan Sweater Jacket
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
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 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

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

1970s Halston Kelly Green Silk 3/4 Sleeves Vintage 70s Shirt Dress w/ Pockets
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic classic 1970s HALSTON 3/4 sleeves silk shirt dress ! Buttons up the front. Pockets at each side of the waist. The perfect dress for anytime of year. Very well made with heavy at...
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1970s American Halston

NWT 2000s Halston Brown Ombré Silk Chiffon Mink Trimmed Size 2 / 4 Y2K Gown
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
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

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

1970s Halston Black Strapless Bandeau Keyhole Vintage 70s Swimsuit / Bodysuit
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
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 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 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

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

1970s Halston Silk Rayon Sleeveless Chic Vintage 70s Little Black Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
The perfect HALSTON 1970s little black dress ! I just love the lines on this beauty. While it looks like a halter dress from the front, it is not a halter dress. Buttons up the front...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Logo Print Blue White Vintage 70s Wrap One Piece Swimsuit
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and collectible HALSON 1970s blue and white logo print one piece swimsuit ! Features the signature H logo print throughout. I recently acquired five Halston swimsuits...
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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

NWT 1970s Halston MET Museum Gold Silver 70s Vintage Lurex Gown + Duster Sweater
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
MET MUSEUM featured deadstock ( new with original store tags ) 1970s HALSTON metallic gold and silver lurex evening gown and duster cardigan jacket ! S...
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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 1970s Brown Rust H Logo Buckles Two Piece Vintage 70s Bikini Swimsuit
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
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

1970s Halston Ultra Suede Tan Brown Vintage 70s Fedora Hat
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
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 ...
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1970s American Halston

Halston 1970s Pistachio Green Ultra Suede Short Sleeve Vintage 70s Shirt Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s HALSTON pistachio green ultra suede short sleeve belted shirt dress ! The perfect color green on the softest most luxurious ultra suede that Halston was famed for. This is...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Tie Dyed Blue Silk Vintage 70s Dress Jacket Ensemble
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning vintage 1970s HALSTON (attributed) blue tie dyed silk chiffon maxi dress and jacket ensemble! Dress simply slips over the head, and features multiple layers of soft lightwei...
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1970s Halston

1970s Halston Crimson Red Ultra Suede Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Shirt Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 70s HALSTON crimson red ultra suede long sleeve shirt dress ! Buttons up the front, and can also be worn as a duster. Pockets at both ...
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1970s American Halston

Halston IV 1970s Rare Novelty Fish Print Black and White Vintage 70s Ensemble
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare HALSTON IV 1970s black and white novelty fish print three piece jersey ensemble ! Top features an asymmetrical neckline on the front and back. Skirt is a flirty easy fit with an...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Midnight Navy Blue Silk Velvet Vintage 70s Plunge Faux Wrap Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
The silk velvet on this amazing 1970s HALSTON midnight navy blue faux wrap dress is the most luxurious velvets that I have ever felt! I can only imagine how incredible it feels on (i...
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1970s American Halston

Halston 1970s Iconic Fireworks Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Blouse Top
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful iconic late 70s HALSTON black silk chiffon fireworks disco top shirt ! Features thousands of hand-sedan silver and gold sequins with iridescent sequins scattered throughout...
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1970s American Halston

Vintage Halston 1970s Optical Illusion Black + Khaki 70s Trapeze Dress
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare 1970s HALSTON black and khaki optical illusion trapeze dress! Khaki top portion looks as if a bolero jacket is being worn over a black strapless dress. ...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Red + Black Abstract Animal Print Three Piece 70s Dress Ensemble
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Fabulous vintage 70s HALSTON Couture red and black abstract animal print chiffon three piece dress ensemble! Under dress features two layers of sem...
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1970s American Halston

Halston 1970s Gold Metallic Silk Lurex Couture Vintage Disco Wrap Shirt Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy and iconic 70s HALSTON gold metallic silk lurex wrap shirt dress! Features a stunning silhouette, with a plunging neckline in a flattering wrap style...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Lipstick Red Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Wrap Cape Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing 1970s HALSTON lipstick red silk chiffon dress with attached cape ! Wrap style with interior snap and two hook-and-eye closures and ela...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Couture Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Dress
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional vintage 70s HALSTON Couture black silk chiffon beaded dress and sash belt or head scarf! Features a separate black silk chiffon slip wi...
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1970s American Halston

1970s Halston Black Silk Chiffon Fully Sequined 70s Strapless Tube Top + Pants
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Amazing vintage 1970s HALSTON Studio 54 black silk chiffon fully sequined strapless tube top and trosuers! Looks like a jumpsuit, but better! You can...
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1970s Unknown Halston

1970s Halston Size 12 / 14 Perwinkle Print Silk Damask Vintage 70s Wrap Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic and classic late 1970s HALSTON periwinkle print silk damask Avant Garde wrap dress and sash! Features periwinkles printed in vibrant hues of red, purple and green throughout. Wr...
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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
    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 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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