Halston Couture Black and White Graphic Illusion Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress, 1977
View Similar Items
Halston Couture Black and White Graphic Illusion Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress, 1977
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 56 in (142.24 cm)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Hip: 38 in (96.52 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Beverly Hills, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3094828811
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.
- Vintage 1950's Madame Grès Haute Couture Sculpted Silk Back-Bow Dress & JacketBy Madame GresLocated in Beverly Hills, CAGorgeous and incredibly rare Madame Grès haute couture sculpted black silk dress ensemble dating back to the early 1950's. Madame Grès felt that the true job of the couturier was not to create a name for one's self, as many designers do, but to pay rigorous attention to the clothing. This stunning set has so much detail, you can tell it was made with loving devotion. The alluring bodice has a low-cut scoop neck with flattering short sleeves. My favorite designer element is the dramatic back bow with chic cut-out. The matching jacket has a shawl-like front with a stunning cropped back. I'd wear the jacket alone with other looks for a unique bolero option. The sculpted panel style skirting ,which looks incredibly hard to mold, reads so fresh to the modern eye...Category
1950s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1990's Emanuel Ungaro Paris Colorful Silk Puff-Sleeve Pleated Mini DressBy Emanuel UngaroLocated in Beverly Hills, CAThe French designer, Emanuel Ungaro, imagined colorful and elegant draped garments with an emphasis on flamboyant patterns that enhanced a sense of pure femininity. He dared to mix clashing prints that created a strong visual impact. This ultra rare ensemble, dating back to the early 1990's, is a wonderful example of his aesthetic. The watercolor polka-dot print blouse has gorgeous short puff-sleeves and a super flattering fitted tie-waist design. The matching high-waist mini skirt features an abstract print with bold pops of color with chic pleat work. So light and effortless to wear! With this rare designer set, you have one complete outfit...Category
1990s French Mini Dresses
- Vintage 1970s Pauline Trigere Black Silk Chiffon & Satin Halter-Bow Tiered DressBy Pauline TrigèreLocated in Beverly Hills, CASeductive Pauline Trigere designer dress dating back to the early 1970's. During this time period, Pauline Trigère's name was part of the glamorous excess in Hollywood fashion. Her ...Category
1970s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- 1930's Rhinestone Studded Deco Circles Black Silk Bias-Cut Waterfall Train DressLocated in Beverly Hills, CAIn this gorgeous 1930's French custom-made gown, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will find in modern Haute-Couture. This encha...Category
1930s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1990s Zandra Rhodes Sheer Black Tulle Bare Shoulder Tassel High-Low GownBy Zandra RhodesLocated in Beverly Hills, CABrreathtaking Zandra Rhodes black gothic evening gown dating back to the early 1990's. Zandra Rhodes was one of the British designers who put London at the forefront of the internati...Category
1990s English Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Vintage 1960's Arnold Scaasi Black & White Leather Applique Silk Evening DressBy Arnold ScaasiLocated in Beverly Hills, CAIn this gorgeous Arnold Scaasi designer dress, the detailed construction and meticulous attention to detail are comparable to what you will find in modern haute-couture. Arnold Scaas...Category
1960s American Cocktail Dresses
- Prada structured black strapless bustier corset mini dress IT 40By PradaLocated in Paris, FRPrada black strapless bustier mini dress Structured form Boned upper Concealed back zip Size: IT 40 with stretch Composition: 70% Polyamide 2...Category
2010s Italian Mini Dresses
- Christian Dior Spring 2007 black silver metal chain hoop sleeveless dress FR 36By Christian DiorLocated in Paris, FRChristian Dior Look 28 from the Spring 2007 runway collection Black short sleeve dress with silver chain hoop detail to the arms, body and hem...Category
Early 2000s Italian Informal Dresses
- See By Chloé Mid- Length Dress in BlackBy See By ChloeLocated in Carnate, ITSee By Chloé Mid- Length Dress in Black See by Chloé dress. Cotton and nylon. Lined with cotton. Shiny material. A shoulder with a knot as a detail. Zipped closure on the side. Si...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Day Dresses
- ALBERTO BINI 1990 leather mini dress with gold tone Lion NEW with tagBy AlbertoLocated in Genève, CHThis vintage dress from Alberto Bini is coming directly from the 90s, and it's also a beautiful ode to Versace universe. -Lion detail in metal gold tone ...Category
1980s French Mini Dress
- Gucci Crochet-knit Cotton Short Dress MBy GucciLocated in Brossard, QCThis beige and dark blue cotton crochet-knit short dress from Gucci is presented in an intarsia panelled style. beige/dark blue Crochet design Patterned intarsia knit Keyhole neck Ro...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mini Dresses
- Gucci Crochet-knit Cotton Short Dress XSBy GucciLocated in Brossard, QCFOLLOW US @RUNWAYCATALOG This beige and dark blue cotton crochet-knit short dress from Gucci is presented in an intarsia panelled style. beige/dark blue Crochet design Patterned int...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mini 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?