Halston Deadstock Silk Velvet Maxi Skirt, 1970s
View Similar Items
Halston Deadstock Silk Velvet Maxi Skirt, 1970s
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 45 in (114.3 cm)Waist: 25 in (63.5 cm)Hip: 40 in (101.6 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Studio City, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3573645641
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.
- Yohji Yamamoto Black 100% Cotton Carwash SkirtBy Yohji YamamotoLocated in Studio City, CAYohji Yamamoto black 100% cotton carwash skirt with adjustable drawstring waist. In excellent condition. Size tag 2 but because of the waist design, will fit multiple sizes. MEASURE...Category
20th Century Japanese Skirts
- Alaia Black Stretch A-Line Mini Skirt W/Crochet DetailBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in Studio City, CAVintage Alaia black stretch A-line mini skirt featuring crochet detail and cut-outs down center front and at back. Stretch waist. In excellent condition. Size S. MEASUREMENTS: Waist ...Category
Late 20th Century French Skirts
- Unlabeled YSL-Inspired Velvet Burnout Maxi Skirt w/Gold Metallic Trim & CordLocated in Studio City, CAInspired by Yves Saint Laurent (unlabeled) velvet burnout maxi skirt with a velvet waist band, gold metallic cord trim & waist ties and an interior layer of burnt orange fabric (feel...Category
1970s Skirts
- 1989 F/W Gianni Versace Black Leather Quilted Skirt w/Silvertone Stud MotifBy Gianni VersaceLocated in Studio City, CA1989 F/W Gianni Versace black leather skirt quilted in a pattern of repeating adjacent, stacked triangles and embellished with textured silvertone studs. Skirt features an overstitch...Category
1980s Italian Skirts
- Yves Saint Laurent Black & White Butterfly Print Silk Tunic TopBy Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in Studio City, CAYves Saint Laurent iconic butterfly print silk tunic blouse top. In excellent condition. Size tag 38. Made in France. Bust - approx. 38" Length - 29"Category
1970s French Blouses
- Chanel 2006C Black Bodycon Dress w/Lace Cutouts & TrimBy ChanelLocated in Studio City, CAChanel 2006 Cruise collection fitted black ribbed stretchy dress featuring a deep V-neckline and transparent lace cutouts design motif below the bust and at the flounced high-low hem...Category
Early 2000s French Day Dresses
- Lanvin Hiver 2006 Black Silk Skirt with Side Button Closure.By Lanvin ParisLocated in West Palm Beach, FLLanvin black silk chiffon skirt has a velvet waist band and padded silk satin hem band, the chiffon of the skirt is draped vertically over a silk knit lining. This unique skirt close...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Pleated Skirts
- Roberto Cavalli Pencil Skirt Semi Sheer Pleated Ruffle Hem Black SBy Roberto CavalliLocated in Miami, FLGuaranteed authentic Roberto Cavalli black pencil skirt. Skirt has 1.75" translucent pleated fringe at bottom. Hidden rear zip with hook and eye at waist. Fabric is wool, nylon an...Category
2010s Pencil Skirts
- Vintage Valentino Boutique Brown Wool Skirt With PocketsBy ValentinoLocated in Portland, ORWe love this classic brown wool pencil skirt from Valentino Boutique. This vintage Valentino skirt came from an estate we acquired many years a...Category
1980s Italian Skirts
- 1970S Green Cotton Velvet Maxi Skirt Suit XLLocated in New York, NY1970S Green Cotton Velvet Maxi Skirt Suit XLCategory
1970s A-Line Skirts
- 1990s Jungle Pictorial Beaded SkirtLocated in San Francisco, CA1990s pictorial black silk skreit with heavy beading account for about one-third of the entire skirt. The beads depict a few tigers and a zebra. The hem lays above the knee and the b...Category
1990s Skirts
- Vintage Guy Laroche Pleated Wool Skirt w/ Flowers + Leaves Made in FranceBy Guy LarocheLocated in San Diego, CAAdorable vintage Guy Laroche wool pleated skirt! Wonderful hues of olive greens, with red and blue flowers throughout. Buttons up the back. Can easily go from day to night. Perfect w...Category
1980s French Pleated Skirts
$360 Sale Price20% 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?