Halston 1970s Red Raw Silk Dress
View Similar Items
Halston 1970s Red Raw Silk Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Length: 36 in (91.44 cm)Marked Size: Small-medium (US)Bust: 25 in (63.5 cm)Waist: 24 in (60.96 cm)Hip: 38.5 in (97.79 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU319186106
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.
- Yves Saint Laurent brocade suit F/W 1992By Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Rubiera, REYVES SAINT LAURENT RIVE GAUCHE Autumn Winter 1992 Collection Green and red brocade suit Guilloched enamel buttons Belt in the same fabric with red fabri...Category
1990s French Habits
$2,022 Sale Price20% Off - Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld orange bouclé wool dress and jacket set, fw 1995By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, ChanelLocated in London, GB▪ Chanel orange bouclé wool dress and jacket set ▪ Designed by Karl Lagerfeld ▪ Mid-length sheath dress with v-neck ▪ Back vent with gold 'CC' buttons ▪ Silk lining ▪ Unlined ...Category
1990s French Suits, Outfits and Ensembles
- Salvatore Ferragamo Black Cocktail Suit Dress 1990sBy FerragamoLocated in Brindisi, BtSalvatore Ferragamo vintage 90s woman dress. Suit consisting of dress long with vest. Dress with gold-colored button closure, without sleeves. 100% viscose. Color black. Made in Ital...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Lu Alda Blue Black Silk Handmade Vintage Suit SkirtLocated in Brindisi, BtLu Alda vintage 70s suit skirt. Handmade sweater and skirt in 100% silk fabric. Blue and black color with abstract designs. Shirt with elastic waist and short...Category
1970s Italian Skirt Suits
- Salvatore Ferragamo Black Viscose Long Cocktail Suit Dress 1990sBy FerragamoLocated in Brindisi, BtSalvatore Ferragamo vintage 90s woman dress. Suit consisting of dress long with vest. Dress with gold-colored button closure, without sleeves. 100% viscose. Color black. Made in Ital...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1960s James Galanos Black Persian Lamb Fur Flare Dress Jacket SetBy James Galanos, GalanosLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting an incredible black Persian lamb James Galanos couture dress and jacket set. From the 1960s, this fabulous set consists of a dress and matching coat both constructed entir...Category
1960s Dress and Coat Ensembles
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?