1970s Halston Vintage Black Stretch Strapless Tube Top
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: S/M (NA)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Portland, OR
- Reference Number:
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Beaverton, OR
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 1 day of delivery.
- Vintage Jean Charles de Castelbajac Blue Striped Red Apple Cardigan SweaterBy Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, JC DE CASTELBAJACLocated in Portland, ORThis is a great vintage 1980s JC De Castelbajac vintage cardigan sweater in blue tonal horizontal stripes with red striped trim and a red app...Category
1980s Italian Cardigans
- Valentino 2pc Vintage Long Sleeve Top & Cardigan Sweater in Blue & Green PlaidBy ValentinoLocated in Portland, ORWe absolutely love this sweater top and cardigan ensemble from Valentino Boutique.Entirely knit, even though the cardigan looks like a blazer or a jacket. The button front cardigan ...Category
1980s Italian Cardigans
- Alber Elbaz Lanvin Fall Winter 2014 Sleeveless Black Eyelash Fringe Evening TopBy Alber Elbaz, Lanvin ParisLocated in Portland, ORThis is a fun and festive black sleeveless evening top designed by Alber Elbaz for Lanvin for their F/W 2014 collection. This particular season ...Category
2010s French Shirts
- Deadstock Valentino Black Knit & Lace One Shoulder Top w Sash & Original TagsBy ValentinoLocated in Portland, ORThis unworn Valentino black one shoulder stretchy ribbed top is really incredible! The top comes with its original Valentino and store tag indicating it was sold for $1470 at Stanley Korshak...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Blouses
- Valentino Vintage Black and Red Striped Cotton & Silk Button Front BlouseBy ValentinoLocated in Portland, ORThis is a great vintage blouse from Valentino in a red and black striped cotton with a black silk collar. This boxy, double breasted button front blouse has 2 functional buttons, one...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Blouses and Tops
- Vintage Gianni Versace Abstract Baroque Print Wool Pullover SweaterBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Portland, ORThis vintage 1980's or early 1990's Gianni Versace wool knit sweater has beautiful and bright colorful woven abstract baroque details in shades of orange, green, red and purple. The ...Category
1980s Italian Pullovers
- Christian Lacroix SS-2003 Nylon Mix Primitiv Print TopBy Christian Lacroix Paris, Christian LacroixLocated in Brussels, BESportswear -and colored bodywear- were key trends during the 1990s, when lycra took over fashion and changed the way designers made their collections. Despite his love of volume and ...Category
1990s French Blouses and Tops
- Halston Black Crepe Studded Tunic, c.1970s.By HalstonLocated in New York, NYHalston Black Crepe Studded Tunic, c.1970s. Halston Black Crepe Tunic featuring bateau neckline and elasticated waist. Allover studs creates a Starry night effect. Diffusion Line ...Category
1970s American Tunics
- S/S 1991 Gianni Versace Vogue Pop Art Printed Silk ShirtBy Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Concord, NCGianni Versace Vogue vintage multicolored printed pop art shirt from the Spring 1991 collection. Featuring the iconic Vogue print with Vogue magaz...Category
1990s Italian Shirts
- F/W 1992 Gianni Versace Bondage Buckle Bustier Bra Top Miss S&MBy Gianni Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Concord, NCGianni Versace Couture black bustier bra top from the Fall/Winter 1992 “Miss S&M” collection. As seen on Yasmeen Ghauri, and Helena Christensen on the Fall Winter 1992 runway, and on...Category
1990s Italian Bustiers
- GUCCI RTW FW 2009 silk lurex ShirtBy GucciLocated in Genève, CHFabulous silk metallic shirt from Gucci Fall 2009 RTW Collection designed by Frida Giannini -Metallic fabric double effect in grey and purple -Closed ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Chemises
- Jean Paul Gaultier Jumior Jeans Lace Up Coset Denim Optical Illusion Vest TopBy Jean Paul GaultierLocated in PARIS, FRJean Paul Gaultier Jumior Jeans Lace Up Coset Denim Optical Illusion Vest Top This iconic vintage Junior Gaultier corset top from the early 1990. Buttoned down the front with gold ...Category
1990s French Corsages
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?