S/S 1976 Halston Demi-Couture Bias Cut Yellow Silk Dress
View Similar Items
S/S 1976 Halston Demi-Couture Bias Cut Yellow Silk 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.
- Schumacher Canary Yellow Dress with Detachable Embellished CollarLocated in Port Hope, ONCan be worn during the day without the detachable plastic and brilliant collar bib and a quick snap and you have a lovely cocktail dress. The viscose and elastane dress has pleating ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Day Dresses
- Dolce & Gabbana Yellow Satin Sleeveless Belted Dress SBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2This gorgeous dress from the House of Dolce & Gabbana adds a refreshing antidote to your summer wardrobe. It has been tailored lavishly using yellow satin fabric and features a sleev...Category
2010s Italian Casual Dresses
- Prada Light Yellow DressBy PradaLocated in Capri, ITPrada Light Yellow DressCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Day Dresses
$420 Sale Price30% Off - Bright Gianni Versace Yellow Two Piece Formal SuitBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Milano, ITBrilliant yellow dress designed by Gianni Versace in the 1970s, of fine Italian manufacture. The original label is present inside. The dress consists of two pieces: jacket and skirt....Category
1970s Italian Directoire Style Evening Dresses
$1,310 Sale Price20% Off - Flower printed chiffon dress with ruffles and yellow lining Dries Van NotenBy Dries van NotenLocated in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FRFlower printed silk chiffon dress with ruffles and yellow lining . SIZE 42 ( L)Category
Early 2000s Belgian Day Dresses
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Yellow Summer DressBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in PARIS, FRGood condition, shows some signs of use and wear as light stains in the back of the dress. Yellow elegant cotton dress with eight white button Height 104 cm / 41" Width 50 cm / 19 "Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Aesthetic Day 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?