A/W 1973 Halston Sleeveless Geometric Point Sequin Gradient Gown
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 56.8 in (144.28 cm)Marked Size: 4 - 8 depending on desired fit (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)Hip: 35.2 in (89.41 cm)
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. In very good vintage condition with light wear throughout; has been taken to professional couture cleaner and arrives ready to wear.
- Seller Location:North Hollywood, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3084222372662
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: North Hollywood, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- S/S 1992 Givenchy Haute Couture Deep Brown Strapless Gown with Embroidered BustBy GivenchyLocated in North Hollywood, CAS/S 1992 Givenchy Haute Couture deep brown strapless gown with embroidered sequin and raffia bustier by Maison Lesage. Bustier features brown geometric pattern throughout and 3D fili...Category
1990s Evening Dresses
- c. 1959 Jean Patou by Karl Lagerfeld Couture Strapless Blue Satin Evening GownBy Jean Patou Paris, Karl LagerfeldLocated in North Hollywood, CAc. 1959 Jean Patou by Karl Lagerfeld Couture strapless blue satin evening sheath gown. Matching oversized fabric buttons and large bow at back. Subtle wrap-like effect at back with c...Category
1950s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- S/S 2000 Valentino Black Strapless Gown with Open BustBy ValentinoLocated in North Hollywood, CAS/S 2000 Valentino black strapless gown with open bust. Strapless gown with open bust paneling and open center drape wrap front. Built-in corset with boning at sides. Concealed side ...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1968 Malcolm Starr Off-White Pleated Gown with Crystal Cutout WaistBy Malcolm StarrLocated in North Hollywood, CA1968 Malcolm Starr off-white silk chiffon pleated gown with empire waist and hand-beaded embellished cutout detail. Built-in corset with boning and back zip closure. As seen in Harpe...Category
1960s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- S/S 1999 Vivienne Westwood Red Label Hot Pink Silk Gown with Front TiesBy RED LABEL by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, Vivienne WestwoodLocated in North Hollywood, CAS/S 1999 Vivienne Westwood 'Red Label' hot pink silk gown with adjustable front ribbon ties. Halter neck gown with double straps that snap at fr...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1970's James Galanos Couture Ecru Pleated Gown with Polka Dot Interior BustierBy James GalanosLocated in North Hollywood, CA1970's James Galanos Couture Label ecru silk chiffon pleated gown with polka dot strapless interior bustier and embellished upper. Interior white strapless bustier with black and whi...Category
1970s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Black & White Lace Strapless Dress w/ Beading - 44. This beautiful dress is in excellent condition. It features a gorgeous black lace over a white nylon blend, a built-i...Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Evening Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Floral Detail On Back - 42By Vicky TielLocated in West Palm Beach, FLVicky Tiel Purple Silk Taffeta Strapless Gown w/ Organza Floral Detail On Back - 42. This special gown is in excellent condition. This dress features a purple silk taffeta material...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Carolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4By Carolyne RoehmLocated in West Palm Beach, FLCarolyne Roehm 1980's Black Velvet Dress with Olive Ruffle Bottom - 4. This dress is in excellent vintage condition. It is short sleeved and has side ruching with rhinestone buttons ...Category
1980s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Oscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Satin & Velvet Color Block Dress-Size 8By Oscar De La RentaLocated in West Palm Beach, FLOscar de la Renta 1990's Red & Purple Color-Block Dress - 8. This dress is in excellent condition and is long sleeved. The top part is velvet and the ...Category
1990s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Michael Casey Silk Chiffon & Ivory Cut Velvet Strapless Gown - 10By Michael CaseyLocated in West Palm Beach, FLMichael Casey Silk Chiffon & Ivory Cut Velvet Strapless Gown - 10. This gorgeous gown is in excellent condition. It features a gorgeous ivory silk chiffon material, paneled velvet ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Rose Taft Vintage Purple & Teal Silk Blend Strapless Gown w/ Floral Design - 10By ROSE TAFTLocated in West Palm Beach, FLRose Taft Vintage Purple & Teal Silk Blend Strapless Gown w/ Floral Design - 10. This lovely vintage gown is in excellent condition. It features a purple and teal silk blend materi...Category
Late 20th Century American Evening Dresses and Gowns
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?