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 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 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...
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...
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...
$1,579
Size: Equivalent size France 40/42
A Thierry Mugler Couture Black Tuxedo Skirt Suit - France Circa 1990/2000
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1990/2000 France Iconic skirt suit in black Polyester Tergal by Thierry Mugler dating from 1990/2000. Fitted and architectural jacket, colla...
Comme des Garcons AD 2002 Bondage Top and Jacket
By Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black fine cotton 2 piece set consisting of a sleeveless top and matching jacket from Junya Watanabe for Comme des Garcons. The sleeves top has a crew neckline and a confi...
F/W 2004 Versace by Donatella Black Wool Blend Pinstripe Medusa Belted Suit
By Donatella Versace, Versace
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a black wool pinstripe Versace skirt suit designed by Donatella Versace. From the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, this skirt suit has a matching pinstriped blazer, skirt, and belt. The classically tailored skirt suit is elevated with shiny silver-tone Versace Medusa...
F/W 1994 John Galliano Runway Black Satin Double Breasted Oversized Pantsuit
By John Galliano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting an incredible black satin John Galliano oversized suit. From the Fall/Winter 1994 collection, a version of this fabulous suit debuted on the ...
F/W 1996 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Ad Black Wool Pinstripe Epaulet Pant Suit
By Gucci, Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous black pinstripe Gucci suit designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, this fabulous suit debuted on the season's runway as part of Look 16, modeled by Kylie Bax. Georgina Grenville also wore this set in the July 1996 issue of Vogue, captured by Mario Testino. The pants were highlighted in the season's ad campaign with the matching coat modeled by Georgina Grenville and captured by Mario Testino. This incredible suit is made up of a military-inspired blazer and flare-cut pants. Add this iconic Gucci by Tom Ford suit...
SAINT LAURENT By HEDI SLIMANE F/W 2013 Military Style Jacket
By Saint Laurent, Hedi Slimane for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Berlin, BE
Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane F/W 2013 Military Jacket Brand: Saint Laurent Designer: Hedi Slimane Collection / Year: F/W 2013 Fabric: Wool / Silk Color: Black Size: 46 Incredible military inspired jacket by Saint Laurent. Designed by Hedi Slimane for his Fall Winter 2013 collection. Utilitarian and smart. Made from wool and lined in silk. It features a double-breasted closure with nautical antiqued anchor...
F/W 2002 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Blue Velvet Panel Skirt Suit
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Presenting a fabulous navy blue velvet Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche skirt suit, designed by Tom Ford. From the Fall/Winter 2002 collection, this skirt suit debuted on the season's runway in red as look 7, modeled by Omahyra Mota. The suit was also seen in red on Julianne Moore. The skirt in this set is constructed of velvet panels with sheer navy blue details between each panel. The matching blazer features a double button closure at the front, pockets at the hips, and is made complete with long sleeves that pool at the cuffs. Whether worn together or separately this YSL set...
1990's Vintage Black Moschino Couture jacket
By Moschino, Moschino Couture
Located in LAGNY-SUR-MARNE, FR
1990's Vintage Moschino Couture Black blazer jacket. in perfect condition. Sizes I 42 Fr 38 US 8 UK 10 Measurements : JACKET : Shoulders : 39 cm Waist : 35 cm Sleeves :...
Chanel 1980's Rare Reversible Skirt Set
By Chanel
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Feel cool and collected with this 80's era Chanel skirt set! This two-in-one ensemble is completely reversible for a whole new look making this Chanel...
GIORGIO SANT'ANGELO METALLIC KIMONO FAN BLOUSE 1970s
By Giorgio di Sant' Angelo
Located in New York, NY
GIORGIO SANT'ANGELO METALLIC KIMONO FAN BLOUSE 1970s Crimped black and gold kimono-cut top, non-conforming black net sash decorated with metallic gold thre...
F/W 1988 Thierry Mugler Black Les Infernales Lighting Bolt Jacket
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
Thierry Mugler black zig zag lightning bolt jacket from the Fall Winter 1988 “Les Infernales” collection and as seen on the runway. As famously seen on Samantha Jones played by Kim ...
$1,227
Size: Equivalent French size 36/38
A French Bar Suit skirt and jacket By Franck & Fils - Paris Circa 1945/1950
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1945/1950 Paris France Bar skirt suit by Franck & Fils in black woolen cloth in the tradition of Christian Dior's New Look and dating from the end of the 1940s. Fitted jacket w...
Vintage Tan Halston Ultrasuede 1970s Jacket Size US S
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Vintage tan Ultrasuede jacket by Halston. Circa 1970s. Pointed collar. Sash tie at waist. Dual hip pockets. Button closures at center front. 34" bust...
Halston 1970s Black Fringe Jacket
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Halston 1970s black fringe jacket. Black jersey is covered in rows of long black fringe. The jacket is unlined but it is finished inside, closes at the f...
1970s Halston Ultrasuede Khaki Brown Double Breasted Vintage Spy Trench Jacket
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic vintage 70s HALSTON Ultrasuede khaki / light brown double breasted spy trench jacket / coat ! Features the classic soft and wearable ultra s...
1980s Halston Black Wool Crepe Tailored Blazer
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Halston blazer Black wool crepe Notched collar Princess seams Rounded shoulders Black button closures Fully lined
Halston Gold Beaded Evening Jacket and Tank
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston, gold, embroidered and open work, beaded, evening jacket with a matching tank ensemble. Both pieces are encrusted with pearls and bugle beads. Jacket is collarless with no cl...
1970s Halston Ultrasuede Khaki Brown Double Breasted Vintage Spy Trench Jacket
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Classic vintage 70s HALSTON Ultrasuede khaki / light brown double breasted spy trench jacket / coat ! Features the classic soft and wearable ultra s...
Halston Double Face Angora Cocoon Jacket
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston, angora, double face, cocoon shaped jacket with diagonal placed side pockets. Black exterior and teal interior. Bat wing sleeves cuff at the wrist. No button closures....
Vintage Halston 1980 Beaded Firework Jacket
By Halston
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Halston black chiffon long sleeve evening jacket featuring allover gold and silver beaded firework bursts, a cascade of beads at the neckline a...
Halston Pearl Crochet and Gold Bugle Beaded Silk Organza Lace Jacket, 1980s
By Halston
Located in Gresham, OR
A gorgeous 1980s Halston faux pearl, crochet and gold bugle beaded silk organza lace jacket. Unlined. No closures. Originally sold at Amen Wardy. Size 6-8.
Halston black sequin zip front cropped jacket, 1970s
By Halston
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Halston black sequin zip front cropped jacket from the 1970s. Halston's signature simplicity done in a style that was copied by just about everyone in the 70s, but no one did it bett...
Halston Kelly Green Fabulous Signature Knit Dramatic Sweater Cape, 1970s
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare 1970s HALSTON kelly green signature knit cape! Softest cotton knit! Wonderful on, with so much movement. Can be worn with one hem tossed over one shoulder attached with a statem...
Cherry Red Halston Couture Belted Satin Jacket. 1970's. Studio 54.
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in University City, MO
Incredible 1970's Halston couture wrap around belted jacket made of the finest satin and hand lined in silk. This is as sumptuous as vintage fashion co...