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.
Halston Midnight Blue Ultrasuede Dress, Circa 1970s
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Iconic vintage Halston ultra suede shirt dress. pointed collar. long sleeves. loose fitting silhouette. two large patch pockets. 5 button closure. belt is not included. ✩ Roy Halsto...
Halston Purple Linen Dress, 1970s
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Signature simple but effective silhouette from Halston circa 1970s. Luscious grape silk "Marilyn Monroe" style. Fully lined with deep v neckline and wide banded waist. Great afternoo...
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 ...
Halston Resort Red Silk Chiffon Ruffled Beach Pajama Ensemble, 1977
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare and collectible Halston ensemble from his 1977 Resort collection. The ensemble was photographed on none other than the stunning Pat Cleveland. The ensemble consists of a laye...
Purple sequin Asymmetrical evening dress HALSTON New
By Halston
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Asymmetrical purple sequin evening dress. Main fabric composition: 100% nylon. Lining composition: 92% polyester, 8% elastane. Invisible zip on the right side + hook&eye. Wrap on t...
Halston 1970s Lipstick Red Silk Chiffon Fully Sequin Vintage 70s Sleeveless Top
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
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...
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 ...
Halston 1970s Black 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...
F/W 1997 Halston Runway Silver Heavily Beaded Strap Gown Opera Coat Set
By Halston, Randolph Duke
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This Halston gown and opera coat set from the Fall/Winter 1997 collection by Randolph Duke is composed of a fully beaded silver strapless column gown and a matching full-length opera...
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...
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"...
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 feat...
Halston Pink Chiffon Feather Motif Sequin Gown, 1970s
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
70s Halston pale pink chiffon gown with stylized feather motif. Adorned with hand set iridescent sequins and beads on sheer silk chiffon. Elasticized gathered waist with silver bu...
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...
$1,387Sale Price|25% Off
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...
Halston 1970s Gold Metallic Silk Lurex Couture Vintage Disco Wrap Shirt Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Halston Vintage F/W 1997 Crystal Sequin Beaded Silver Nude Dress Gown
By Halston
Located in Jersey City, NJ
From Halston's Fall/Winter 1997 collection, this rare and breathtaking strapless gown was designed by Randolph Duke and originally debuted on the runway worn by Helena Christensen. T...
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...
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...
1970S Halston Blush Pink Bias Cut Silk Crepe Back Satin Iconic One Shoulder Gown
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
1970S Halston Blush Pink Bias Cut Silk Crepe Back Satin Iconic One Shoulder Gown
1970s Halston Black Sequin Wrap Dress Vintage Studio 54 Disco Evening Red Carpet
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and glamorous 1970s Halston black sequin wrap dress, the epitome of Studio 54 chic. Designed with Halston’s signature minimalist sophistication, this dazzling piece is fully c...
$1,380Sale Price|20% Off
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...
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 features an asymmetrical neckline and long sleeves that widen slightly at the cuff, givi...
Halston Chiffon Tank and Beaded Jacket
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston 2 piece set. Black double silk chiffon tank top matched with a cotton tulle jacket with iridescent beading. The sheer cotton tulle overjacket is piped in silk satin and has n...
Halston Nile Green Bias Silk Velvet
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston at his refined purest. A simple wrap blouse and slim skirt both completely cut on the bias in the deepest Nile green velvet. Effortless and timeless...
1970s Halston Crimson Red Ultra Suede Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Shirt Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
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 ...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
Halston 1970s Black Silk Bias Iconic Bishop Sleeve Vintage Evening Gown Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Iconic beautiful 1970s vintage Halston black bias cut gown ! Features an asymmetrical neckline in the front and bac. Simply slips over the head. Buttons at each bishop sleeve cuff. T...
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. ...
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...
1970s Halston Forest Green Silk Chiffon Layered Bias Cut Asymmetrical Maxi Dress
By Halston
Located in Gresham, OR
1970s Halston Forest Green Silk Chiffon Asymmetrical Maxi. One shoulder is sheer chiffon and the other shoulder is constructed of layered bias cut chiffon. Balloon sleeves. Slips ove...
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...
1970s Halston Black Sequin Pant Suit On Matte Jersey "Liza Minnelli" Style
By Halston
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous 1970s Halston black solid sequin pant suit on matte jersey, This classic Halston look made Liza Minnelli famous! Get your Glam on! New, n...
1970s Halston Red Jersey Maxi Dress with Cape
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
1970s Halston Red matte jersey cap sleeves dress with large cape ( 2 pcs) Beautiful Red. Fit size US 0/2/ 4
Halston Aqua Sequin and Beaded Ensemble, 1980s
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 1980s Halston Aqua Intricately Sequined and Beaded Ensemble. Skirt is adjustable with an elastic waist. It can also be converted to a strapless tube dress. Great vintage condi...
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...
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...
Halston Black Cocktail Dress with Flutter Sleeves, 1970s
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Halston from the late 1970s. A black silk taffeta jacquard wrap style dress. Half lined (the bottom half because nipples were brilliant accessories in the disco days). Double hook cl...
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...
Halston Vintage Black Silk Halter Wrap Dress with Angel Capelet Sleeves 1970s
By Halston
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This fabulous vintage Halston evening or cocktail dress dates to the 1970s and is a stunning example of the designer’s iconic minimalist glamour. Crafted in the USA from luxurious bl...
$1,796Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Halston Purple Wool Long Sleeve Vintage Chic 70s Tailored Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
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...
1970s Halston Black Label Couture Jersey Dress
By Halston
Located in London, GB
An absolutely superb and collectable Halston black label couture 1970s goddess dress. Halston clearly took inspiration from an earlier era and this has elements of 1940s and 1950s fa...
Halston 1970s Iconic Fireworks Beaded Black Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Blouse Top
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
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...
1970s Halston Cerulean Blue Silk Chiffon Blue Size 6 / 8 70s Goddess Gown Dress
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
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...
Halston 09 ivory cream plisse grecian style backless wedding maxi dress gown 42
By Halston
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE Halston 2009 Floor length grecian style plisse gown in cream - the colour is very slightly lighter than in the pictures Completely backless cut Composition: 100%...
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...
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...
1970's HALSTON for I. Magnin fur coat with suede trim
By Halston
Located in San Fransisco, CA
A 1970s Halston for I. Magnin fur coat with suede trim, cut in the long, clean line Halston favored during the decade. The body falls straight from the shoulders with little interrup...
Halston Black Feather Motif Densely Beaded Jacket, 1970s
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is the Black Swan of the red carpet jacket world. This is the most incredible adaptation of feathers in bead form and is from Halston! Reminiscent of the dense beadwork and embr...
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...
Off-white pleated shirt with bow tie HALSTON III
By Halston
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Off-white pleated shirt with bow tie. Fabric composition: 100% polyester. Button and buttonhole closure on the middle front. Small thread loop behind the neck to hold the scarf. S...
$1,750Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Halston Navy Blue Chiffon Slip Dress
By Halston
Located in US
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-...
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...