Skip to main content

Halston Coats and Outerwear

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.

to
3
3
2
1
92
273
257
189
184
3
2
2
Designer: Halston
Halston Checked Wool Cape Skirt Ensemble
Halston Checked Wool Cape Skirt Ensemble

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...

Category

1970s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

1970's HALSTON for I. Magnin fur coat with suede trim
1970's HALSTON for I. Magnin fur coat with suede trim

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...

Category

1970s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

Vintage Halston Black Abstract Striped Silk Dress Coat, 1970s
Vintage Halston Black Abstract Striped Silk Dress Coat, 1970s

Vintage Halston Black Abstract Striped Silk Dress Coat, 1970s

By Halston

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Halston is considered by some to be the quintessential American designer. His impact in the world of fashion was his particular understanding of comfortable clothing that was easy to...

Category

1970s Halston Coats and Outerwear

Related Items
Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994
Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994

Gianni Versace Red Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Skirt A/W 1994

By Gianni Versace

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous and rare red patent leather motorcycle jacket with matching skirt from Gianni Versace. It has all of Versace's amazing attention to detail includ...

Category

1990s Italian Halston Coats and Outerwear

Vintage White Oversized Opera Coat
Vintage White Oversized Opera Coat

Vintage White Oversized Opera Coat

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Add a little drama to your wardrobe with our incredible vintage opera coat! You don't need to be headed to the opera to enjoy a piece as amazing as ...

Category

1960s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

Alexander McQueen F/W 2006 "The Widows Of Culloden" Wool Jacket & Skirt Suit Set
Alexander McQueen F/W 2006 "The Widows Of Culloden" Wool Jacket & Skirt Suit Set

Alexander McQueen F/W 2006 "The Widows Of Culloden" Wool Jacket & Skirt Suit Set

By Alexander McQueen

Located in Chicago, IL

Designed by Alexander McQueen for the fall/winter 2006 collection; look #15. This gorgeous speckled wool blend suit features a high waisted skirt with an asymmetric back pleated deta...

Category

Early 2000s Italian Halston Coats and Outerwear

Paul Daunay Couture silk and wool dress and coat ensemble, c. 1952-57
Paul Daunay Couture silk and wool dress and coat ensemble, c. 1952-57

Paul Daunay Couture silk and wool dress and coat ensemble, c. 1952-57

By Paul Daunay

Located in London, GB

Presenting an exquisite and exceptionally rare Paul Daunay couture fall daytime ensemble, a true gem hailing from the era of circa 1952-57. This ensemble is a stunning showcase of ar...

Category

1950s French Halston Coats and Outerwear

1970's Sonia Rykiel Wool Tweed Six Pocket Coat and Matching Trousers
1970's Sonia Rykiel Wool Tweed Six Pocket Coat and Matching Trousers

1970's Sonia Rykiel Wool Tweed Six Pocket Coat and Matching Trousers

By Sonia Rykiel

Located in New Hope, PA

A soft grey wool tweed is used for this coat and pant ensemble from Sonia Rykiel. The coat has six patch pockets, a functional and decorative element. There are grey buttons and bou...

Category

1970s French Halston Coats and Outerwear

DOLCE & GABBANA multicolor 2023 CARRETTO JERSEY TOP & LEGGINGS Set Suit S
DOLCE & GABBANA multicolor 2023 CARRETTO JERSEY TOP & LEGGINGS Set Suit S

DOLCE & GABBANA multicolor 2023 CARRETTO JERSEY TOP & LEGGINGS Set Suit S

By Dolce & Gabbana

Located in Zürich, CH

This 100% authentic Dolce & Gabbana outfit in multicolor technical jersey polyamide (50%), polyester (30%), and elastane (20%) showcases the vibrant Carretto print. The bralette top ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Halston Coats and Outerwear

CHANEL black & cream wool 16A ROME CHECK TWEED Jacket 36 XS
CHANEL black & cream wool 16A ROME CHECK TWEED Jacket 36 XS

CHANEL black & cream wool 16A ROME CHECK TWEED Jacket 36 XS

By Chanel

Located in Zürich, CH

100% authentic Chanel pea coat in cream and black checked tweed crafted from wool (53%), silk (41%) and nylon (6%). Designed in an effortlessly oversized silhouette, it features shar...

Category

2010s Halston Coats and Outerwear

Faux fur coat with animal pattern MATIMI
Faux fur coat with animal pattern MATIMI

Faux fur coat with animal pattern MATIMI

Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR

Faux fur coat with animal pattern. Main fabric composition: 66% polyacrylic, 18% polyester, 16% modal. Lining composition: 100% polyester. Pocket on both side. Half-belt on the back...

Category

2010s Italian Halston Coats and Outerwear

Bonnie Cashin for Sills Vintage Herringbone Coat
Bonnie Cashin for Sills Vintage Herringbone Coat

Bonnie Cashin for Sills Vintage Herringbone Coat

By Bonnie Cashin for Sills, Bonnie Cashin

Located in Oakland, CA

This coat has the "A Bonnie Cashin Design for Sills and Co" label which I believe dates to the 1960s. Giant herringbone pattern in what I believe is wool or a wool blend with black l...

Category

1960s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

GUCCI iridescent olive green polyester TRENCH Coat Jacket 42 M
GUCCI iridescent olive green polyester TRENCH Coat Jacket 42 M

GUCCI iridescent olive green polyester TRENCH Coat Jacket 42 M

By Tom Ford for Gucci, Gucci

Located in Zürich, CH

Gucci iridescent double-breasted trench coat in olive green polyamide (58%) and polyester (42%) with a flat collar, epaulettes, buttoned slit pockets and belted cuffs. Comes with a b...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Halston Coats and Outerwear

Koos Van Der Akker Vintage Coat
Koos Van Der Akker Vintage Coat

Koos Van Der Akker Vintage Coat

By Koos Van den Akker

Located in Water Mill, NY

Koos Emerald Green Long Coat with Green and Black Trim........Medium-Large

Category

20th Century American Halston Coats and Outerwear

Issey Miyake Multi-Color Striped Car Coat
Issey Miyake Multi-Color Striped Car Coat

Issey Miyake Multi-Color Striped Car Coat

By Issey Miyake

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

The Issey Miyake Multi-Color Striped Car Coat is a striking statement piece that combines bold color with playful design. This eye-catching coat features vibrant purple, white, and g...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Halston Coats and Outerwear

Previously Available Items
Halston 1981 Black on Black Bugle and Caviar Beaded Sheer Chiffon Coat
Halston 1981 Black on Black Bugle and Caviar Beaded Sheer Chiffon Coat

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 Coats and Outerwear

1970s HALSTON Ultrasuede Tan Sand Belted Vintage 70s Shirt Dress Duster Jacket
1970s HALSTON Ultrasuede Tan Sand Belted Vintage 70s Shirt Dress Duster Jacket

1970s HALSTON Ultrasuede Tan Sand Belted Vintage 70s Shirt Dress Duster Jacket

By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick

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 ...

Category

1970s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

1970s Halston Beaded Glitter Black Sheer Dot Fringed Vintage 70s Poncho Shawl
1970s Halston Beaded Glitter Black Sheer Dot Fringed Vintage 70s Poncho Shawl

1970s Halston Beaded Glitter Black Sheer Dot Fringed Vintage 70s Poncho Shawl

By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick

Located in San Diego, CA

Collectible mid 70s HALSTON black sheer mesh beaded and sequin dot fringe large disco poncho cape shawl ! I can only imagine this rare beauty on the dance floor at Studio 54. Sheer b...

Category

1970s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

HALSTON Black Wool Poncho Cape One Size
HALSTON Black Wool Poncho Cape One Size

HALSTON Black Wool Poncho Cape One Size

By Halston

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

HALSTON Black Wool Poncho One Size Product detail: Black Wool Featuring no closure, cape style 40” long on a back

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Halston Coats and Outerwear

Halston 1970s Orange Pink Ultrasuede Button Up Coat or Coat Dress
Halston 1970s Orange Pink Ultrasuede Button Up Coat or Coat Dress

Halston 1970s Orange Pink Ultrasuede Button Up Coat or Coat Dress

By Halston

Located in San Francisco, CA

Vintage Halston 1970s collared long sleeve ultrasuede coat in an amazing shade of orange-pink coral. Long sleeve, buttons at front and at cuffs. Conten...

Category

1970s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

1970s Halston Rain Trench Coat
1970s Halston Rain Trench Coat

1970s Halston Rain Trench Coat

By Halston

Located in New York, NY

1970s Halston Rain Trench Coat

Category

1970s Halston Coats and Outerwear

Halston Luxurious Black Silk Velvet Fox Fur Cape & Fox Fur Hat Ensemble
Halston Luxurious Black Silk Velvet Fox Fur Cape & Fox Fur Hat Ensemble

Halston Luxurious Black Silk Velvet Fox Fur Cape & Fox Fur Hat Ensemble

By Halston

Located in Gresham, OR

These two Halston original pieces from different eras of Halston`s career make a striking ensemble: a 1970s double-sided silk velvet stole trimmed in plush fox fur is luxurious and ...

Category

1960s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

Halston Velvet Wrap Coat 1970s
Halston Velvet Wrap Coat 1970s

Halston Velvet Wrap Coat 1970s

Sold

Size: One size fits most

Halston Velvet Wrap Coat 1970s

By Halston

Located in Water Mill, NY

A fabulous example of 1970's Halston in this black velvet wrap trench coat. It has a large notched collar, hip pockets and wraps tying closed with a matching belt. It is fully line...

Category

1970s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

1970's Halston Double-Breasted Black Wool Coat
1970's Halston Double-Breasted Black Wool Coat

1970's Halston Double-Breasted Black Wool Coat

By Halston

Located in Studio City, CA

1970's Halston black wool double-breasted coat with raglan sleeves, two frontal flap pockets and bar tab at back. In excellent condition. No size or fabric tag - please consult measu...

Category

1970s American Halston Coats and Outerwear

Halston coats and outerwear for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Halston coats and outerwear available on 1stDibs. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of James Galanos, Elizabeth Mason Couture, and I Magnin and Co appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Halston coats and outerwear from top boutiques around the world. Halston coats and outerwear prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $647 and tops out at $1,895, while the average work can sell for $1,398.

Questions About Halston Coats and Outerwear

  • 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, 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 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 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 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 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.