1970s Halston Vintage Purple Jersey Dress W Asymmetrical Hem
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: See Description (NA)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Portland, OR
- Reference Number:
Halston
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Beaverton, OR
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- 1970s Jean Muir London Vintage Purple Rayon Jersey DressBy Jean MuirLocated in Portland, ORThis is a great late 1970's or early 1980's vintage dress from Jean Muir, London. The dress is in a purple rayon jersey and has gathered dolman style short sleeves and a V neck. The...Category
1980s English Casual Dresses
- Versace Spring 1998 Documented Runway Dress in Purple Silk With Blue Star PrintBy Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella Versace for Gianni VersaceLocated in Portland, ORThis is a Gianni Versace documented 1998 Runway Dress in a delicate purple and pink silk with cream geometry cloud like shapes and tiny blue stars . The dress has a square neckline a...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent Blue & Black Cotton Poplin Peasant Style Dress W Puff SleevesBy Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Portland, ORThis iconic late 1970s or early 1980s Yves Saint Laurent vintage peasant style dress is in a rich royal blue cotton poplin with black accents at the yo...Category
20th Century French Day Dresses
- Vintage Albert Nipon Blue Orange & Red Silk Floral Print 2pc DressBy Albert NiponLocated in Portland, ORThis is a really lovely 2 piece vintage dress from Albert Nipon in a bright blue silk floral print. We love vintage Albert Nipon pieces and especially l...Category
1970s Hong Kong Day Dresses
- Vintage Valentino Pale Purple Linen 2 Piece Dress w Blouse & Tiered SkirtBy ValentinoLocated in Portland, ORThis incredible vintage Valentino Boutique pale purple linen 2 piece dress comes from the estate of a Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent client who bought all of her clothing during th...Category
1970s French Day Dresses
- 1980s Vintage Givenchy Bright Pink & White Floral Dot Silk Day DressBy GivenchyLocated in Portland, ORThis is a lovely vintage dress from Givenchy with the Givenchy Nouvelle Boutique label from the 1980's. The dress is pink and white floral silk with tone on tone white dots embroidered all over. The dress closes with front pink dome buttons...Category
1980s French Maxi Dresses
- Jean Paul Gaultier 1997 Fashion & Culture Japanese Tattoo Maxi DressBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier 1997 Fashion & Culture Japanese Tattoo Maxi Dress Jean Paul Gaultier JPG 1997 Fashion & Culture Jean's 90s Vintage Japanese Tattoo...Category
1990s French Maxi Dresses
- 1970's Vintage Tri Color Floral DressBy I Magnin and CoLocated in Georgetown, MEVintage 70's Tri Color Floral Halter Dress! I am obsessed with this dress, it is perfect in every way. Designer: unknown has the Joseph Magnin Department Store Label Size: fi...Category
1970s Maxi Dresses
- Christian Dior/John Galliano - Embroidered Cherry Blossom Dress F/W 2003 Sz 38FRBy Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLJohn Galliano for Christian Dior Embroidered Cherry Blossom Dress. This dress is formfitting with a geometric hem, mock turtleneck and flowing upp...Category
Early 2000s French Informal Dresses
- Ralph Lauren Collection Purple Label Pink Ascot Dress & Jacket S/S 2008 Sz 4By Ralph Lauren Purple LabelLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLRalph Lauren Purple Label - Flirty pink and black dress with matching jacket. This dress was featured on the Spring/Summer 2008 40th Anniversary ...Category
Early 2000s American Informal Dresses
- Gianfranco Ferre Tunic DressBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in Los Angeles, CAPurple Tunic dress. Double layer on back. Mandarin collar. Front buttons. Side pockets. Shoulder pads. Wool. Lined. Made in France. *Condition: Great vi...Category
1980s Day Dresses
- OSCAR DE LA RENTA orchid purple silk DRAPED SHOULDER Gown Dress 4 XSBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in Zürich, CH100% authentic Oscar De La Renta sleeveless dress in orchid silk (100%) with a folded collar. Closes on the back with a concealed zipper. Comes with a matching belt featuring decorat...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Casual Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer
Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)
The Best Ways to Dress for Your Astrological Sign
Makeup and astrology expert Linda Mason dispenses fashion advice for every zodiac sign. Does your wardrobe match your horoscope?