Halston Chiffon Swing Dress
View Similar Items
Halston Chiffon Swing Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 38 in (96.52 cm)Marked Size: 6-8 (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)
- Style:swing dress (Of the Period)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Material Notes:chiffon<br /> lacing
- Condition:excellent.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: AU11062444693
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.
- Chanel Couture Chiffon Cocktail DressBy Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel Couture,apricot tone, sleeveless, chiffon, chemise style, cocktail dress, having diagonal, pleating detail and a gathered tiered hem.Category
1980s French Cocktail Dresses
- Oscar de la Renta Sequined and Chiffon GownBy Oscar De La RentaLocated in New York, NYOscar de la Renta, taupe colored, chiffon,gown with a bateau neckline, and a spiral, silver sequin overall pattern embellishment.Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Shamask Cotton Voile Tiered DressBy Ronaldus ShamaskLocated in New York, NYRonaldus Shamask, doubled, cotton voile and silk combination, tiered dress having a geometric sleeve and shoulder treatment and self belt.Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Tom Ford Gucci Runway One Shoulder Cocktail DressBy Tom Ford for GucciLocated in New York, NYTom Ford for Gucci, black silk gazar, one shoulder, cocktail dress having an A line silhouette with a ruffled edge across the top and under arm of the dress. Back is open in a deep U...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Galanos Beaded and Sequined Cocktail DressBy James GalanosLocated in New York, NYGalanos, black, crepe, bugle beaded and sequined cocktail dress having a fitted silhouette with a deep V neckline. Hidden zipper front closur...Category
1980s American Cocktail Dresses
- Chado Ralph Rucci Bias Cut One Shoulder GownBy Chado Ralph RucciLocated in New York, NYChado Ralph Rucci, bias cut , one shoulder evening gown, in a beige silk crepe, having a gathered, bias cut back panel coming from the shoulder. Dress has a back zipper closure and a...Category
Early 2000s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Abayah as a Dress, manner of PoiretLocated in Sharon, CTAs a dress in the manner of Poiret. Silk with gold thread. Slit tapestry technique. Tablet Weaving.Category
Early 20th Century Syrian Evening Dresses
- Gianni Versace Knit Colorblock DressBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Waterford, MIColorblock knit long sleeve dress. Rear zipper. Stretchy knit. Made in Italy. *Condition: excellent vintage condition. No visible flaws. Measurements Taken Laying Flat (inches)— S...Category
1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Cushnie Et Ochs Tangerine Orange Stretch Satin Jersey Mesh Paneled Gown SLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2Ditch those traditional mundane dresses and go for a glam, statement-making style with this Cushnie Et Ochs gown. Made from fine quality materials, the gown has mesh panels on the si...Category
2010s American Evening Gowns
- VIVIENNE TAM orange floral cotton lace laced up midi dress US2 SBy Vivienne TamLocated in Hong Kong, NTVIVIENNE TAM orange floral cotton lace laced up midi dress US2 S Reference: CELG/A00292 Brand: Vivienne Tam Material: Cotton, Blend Color: Orange, Multicolour Pattern: Lace Closure: ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cocktail Dresses
- ACLER bright orange silky keyhole draped raglan puff sleeves mini dress US2 XSLocated in Hong Kong, NTACLER bright orange silky keyhole draped raglan puff sleeves mini dress US2 XS Reference: AAWC/A00418 Brand: Acler Material: Polyester Color: Or...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Cocktail Dresses
- DSQUARED2 red orange ruche drape dart puff sleeve big shoulders dress IT44 LBy Dsquared2Located in Hong Kong, NTDSQUARED2 red orange ruche drape dart puff sleeve big shoulders dress IT44 L Reference: TGAS/A03249 Brand: Dsquared2 Material: Cotton Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure: Zip Extra Det...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cocktail 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?