Halston 70s Cream Ultrasuede Short Sleeve Wrap Dress
View Similar Items
Halston 70s Cream Ultrasuede Short Sleeve Wrap Dress
About the Item
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.
- Adolfo 1970s Three Piece Red and Metallic Midi or Maxi Skirt and Tank Dress SetBy AdolfoLocated in San Francisco, CAThree piece vintage Adolfo burgundy red and metallic floral brocade skirt(s) and top set, circa 1970s- 80s, ensures you're set for any occasion! Pair the the bodice with the long ski...Category
1970s American Evening Dresses
- 1960s Sarmi Flower and Stripe Print Dress in White, Blue, Navy, Orange and GreenBy SarmiLocated in San Francisco, CAVintage Sarmi 1960's sweet short dress in a retro floral and stripe print. Slightly puffed sleeves with three coordinated cloth covered buttons at each cuff. Orange belt...Category
1960s American Casual Dresses
- Oscar de la Renta Gold Sequin Polka Dot Sleeveless Cocktail DressBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in San Francisco, CAOscar de la Renta metallic gold sequin fitted sleeveless party dress. The sequins switch direction in spots, forming a polka dot pattern. The perfect holiday dress! Back zip and hook...Category
2010s American Cocktail Dresses
- Oscar de la Renta Spring 2020 Multicolor Stripe Print Cotton Sun DressBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in San Francisco, CAOscar de la Renta multicolor stripe cotton sundress from the Spring 2020 collection. Wide stripes of pink, blue, white, yellow, brown, ochre and orange create a fun summery look. Hidden side pockets. Back zip. 97% cotton, 3% spandex. Unlined. Made in Italy. Size 2. See measurements. Bust (underarm to underarm) 32". Waist 27". Hip open. Length (shoulder to hem) 44.5". Very good condition, gentle wear with no notable flaws. We re-tacked the garment label on one side. Dress was originally sold with a skinny yellow belt...Category
2010s American Casual Dresses
- Mr. Blackwell Cream Natural Silk Pencil Sheath Dress, Late 1950sBy Mr. BlackwellLocated in San Francisco, CALate 1950s or early 60s Mr. Blackwell silk shift dress in a dark cream/natural color. Square neck, short sleeves. Back metal zip with tiny bow at top. No garment label, feels like ...Category
1950s Casual Dresses
- Alexander McQueen 2000s Leather Buckle Accent One Shoulder Tan Knit Draped DressBy Alexander McQueenLocated in San Francisco, CAAlexander McQueen 2000s tan knit dress with leather strap at asymmetrical top and engraved gold buckle accent. 100% viscose, 100% leather strap. Made in Italy. Size Small. Bust 30...Category
Early 2000s Italian Casual Dresses
- Dolce & Gabbana tan suede patchwork mini shirt dress, ss 2001By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GBDolce & Gabbana tan suede patchwork mini shirt dress with tassel buttons Spring-Summer 2001Category
Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses
- 1970S Pyschedelic Floral Wool Jersey Dress With Rayon LiningLocated in New York, NY1970S Pyschedelic Floral Wool Jersey Dress With Rayon LiningCategory
1970s Casual Dresses
- 1990s Oscar de la Renta $5, 800 Size 6 / 8 Watercolor Boho Gown Dress Wooden BeadBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in San Diego, CAStunning Vintage Mid 90s vintage Oscar de la Renta brand new $5,850 Extraordinary floral watercolor print, with hundreds of wooden beads at waist. Open arms, and peek-a-boo back. La...Category
1990s American Evening Gowns
- Fendi 1990s Python Mesh DressBy FendiLocated in Scottsdale, AZFeeling this Fendi? Add it to your collection! Circa 1990s/early 2000s, this mesh mini dress features a magnified python pattern, genuine python appliqué on the front and back, a win...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- Vintage Horrocks Dress and BoleroLocated in London, GBA fun vintage dress by Horrocks with a matching bolero. The dress is in a brown and white print with a lace frill at the hem. The dress has a sweetheart neckline, boning in the bodi...Category
1950s British Day Dresses
- 1960s Malcolm Starr Green Pink Metallic Floral Print DressBy Malcolm StarrLocated in Beverly Hills, CA1960s Malcolm Starr Gown in Green, Pink, gold and blue print sleeveless gown. Perfect for wedding or cocktail event . Waist is encrusted with multi color jeweled. Bust: 34” / waist ...Category
1960s American Evening Gowns
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?