1970's HALSTON black bias silk cut dress with high slit
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 46 in (116.84 cm)Bust: 34 in (86.36 cm)Waist: 33 in (83.82 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:San Fransisco, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU8119101962
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: Oakland, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- AZZEDINE ALAIA black mini dress with ruffled hemlineBy Azzedine AlaïaLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare, jet black knit mini dress with scalloped trim and semi sheer skirt with decorative diamond embroidered hemline from Azzedine Alaia dating to the early 1990's, Dress is la...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1960's PIERRE BALMAIN black velvet HAUTE COUTURE dress with rhinestonesBy Pierre BalmainLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare, haute couture, silk velvet dress with rhinestones from Pierre Balmain dating to the 1960's. Fabric is a cut silk velvet with an interesting diamond shaped pattern througho...Category
1960s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1990's CERRUTI 1881 black shirred cotton dressBy Cerruti 1881Located in San Fransisco, CABlack shirred cotton dress with thin straps designed for Cerruti 1881 dating to the 1990's. French size 38. Approximate measurements (unstretched): bust 26", waist 22", full hips and...Category
1990s Italian Day Dresses
- 1970's YVES SAINT LAURENT long plum jersey gown with matching sashBy Yves Saint LaurentLocated in San Fransisco, CAExceptional, deep-plum jersey gown with deep V neckline, billowy sleeves and wrap belt from Yves Saint Laurent dating to the late 1970's. Labeled a French size 36". Approximate measu...Category
1970s French Maxi Dress
- 1940's IRENE LENTZ black dress with blouson silk chiffon overlayBy Irene LentzLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare, black ‘film noir’ dress with billowy silk chiffon overlay designed by Irene Lentz dating to the late 1940's. Fabulous cut including a corset with peaks at sides, billowy b...Category
1940s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1950's PEDRO RODRIGUEZ silk jersey haute couture dressBy Pedro RodriguezLocated in San Fransisco, CAVery rare, jet black, silk-jersey, haute couture dress with asymmetrical cut and draping from Pedro Rodriguez dating to the 1950's. Best fits a US 2. Approximate measurements: bust 3...Category
1950s Spanish Cocktail Dresses
- 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
- Linda Cunningham Taupe Silk Gown w/ Multi Floral Lace & 3 Tier Ruffle Bust - 10Located in West Palm Beach, FLLinda Cunningham Taupe Silk Gown w/ Multi Floral Lace & 3 Tier Ruffle Bust - 10. This gorgeous gown is in excellent condition. It features a taupe silk material, three tier ruffle ...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Evening Gowns
- Vintage 1960 Norman Norell Sequin Star Novelty Black Sheer Illusion Tulle GownBy Norman NorellLocated in Beverly Hills, CAThis iconic Norman Norell couture gown exemplifies his signature blend of couture level quality with quintessentially American style; elegant in its simplicity. Dating back to his 19...Category
1960s American Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- Chic 1960s Black and Silver Metallic Lace Rayon Crepe Vintage 60s Sheath DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1960s black rayon crepe and silver metallic lace vintage sheath dress ! Features an empire style waist with bow at side left waist. Swag detail at ...Category
1960s Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Nolan Miller Couture Chocolate Brown Silk Chiffon Vintage 70s Midi DressBy Nolan MillerLocated in San Diego, CABeautiful 1970s NOLAN MILLER COUTURE chocolate brown silk chiffon long sleeve midi dress ! Miller, who was the famed designer for all the wardrobe on "Dynasty" in the 80s, started hi...Category
1970s American Evening Gowns
- Deadstock 1960s Alvin Handmacher Light Blue Rhinestone Vintage 60s Skirt SuitLocated in San Diego, CAChic deadstock ( brand new with tags ) original 1960s Alvin Handmacher ( Weathervane Tailored by Handmacher ) baby blue skirt suit ! Features a tailore...Category
1960s American Skirt Suits
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?