Halston black dress, circa 1975
View Similar Items
Halston black dress, circa 1975
About the Item
- Designer:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 1001881stDibs: LU7245933772
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.
- Jean Paul Gaultier JPG Soleil Golden Eagle Hawk Kendall Jenner Skirt Top SetBy Jean Paul Gaultier Soleil, Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier JPG Soleil Vintage Japanese Golden Eagle Koi Fish Kendall Jenner Wave Yellow Mesh Sheer Transparent Wrap T-shirt Skirt Top Dress Golden Japanese Eagle...Category
1990s Maxi Dresses
$1,999 Sale Price30% OffFree Shipping - Christian Dior By John Galliano Fw 2004 Black Bias Cut Silk Slip DressBy John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in São Paulo, SPV-neckline Zig-zag detail at hemline Crossed straps on back Knee-length Invisible zipper side closure Pre-owned vintage condition; no major/noticeable flaws. Size FR38; slight stret...Category
Early 2000s French Cocktail Dresses
- Iconic Christian Dior By John Galliano Ss 2005 Beaded Bodice Black GownBy John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in São Paulo, SPKeyhole detail at the front Iconic Galliano row of button side closure Low-rise cowl style back Front slit Sequin and beads detailing through dress Ankle-length Pre-owned vintage co...Category
Early 2000s French Maxi Dress
- ICONIC FW 2005 Roberto Cavalli Chinoiserie Print Black and Gold Silk Bias GownBy Roberto CavalliLocated in São Paulo, SPBias cut silk Dramatic but functional train Signature Cavalli glittery silk fabric V-neckline Adjustable with tie-up straps - hardware charms at the end Zip-up back (invisible) lon...Category
21st Century and Contemporary European Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace LAST COLLECTION Beaded Shoulder DressBy Gianni Versace, VersaceLocated in São Paulo, SPSS 1997 Gianni’s LAST COLLECTION! Black asymmetric hem dress with iconic runway embellished shoulder strap. Round neckline Fully beaded hems - small black beads all along the dress ...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
$3,200 Sale Price20% Off - Roberto Cavalli I Love You Logo Runway Evening Gown Dress F/W 2003 Size 40ITBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Saint Petersburg, FLRoberto Cavalli - I Love You Logo Runway Evening Gown Dress. This dress is constructed with a sturdy zip up bodysuit/corset. The dress is made of ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Gowns
$9,940 Sale Price30% Off
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?