Halston 1970s Gold Metallic Silk Lurex Couture Vintage Disco Wrap Shirt Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Marked Size: Small / Medium (US)Waist: 25 in (63.5 cm)Hip: 44 in (111.76 cm)Shoulder to Hem: 47 in (119.38 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:San Diego, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6623759873
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: San Diego, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 1990s Eletra Casadei Sexy Metallic Bronze / Gold Bodycon Convertible Strap DressBy Casadei, Eletra CasadeiLocated in San Diego, CASexy 90s does 50s vintage ELETRA CASADEI metallic bronze / copper bodycon convertible strap wiggle dress! Dress can be worn with attached adjustable bla...Category
1990s American Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Givenchy 1980s Mosaic Tile Print Pink + Green Lightweight Wool Sac DressBy GivenchyLocated in San Diego, CAChic 80s HUBERT DE GIVENCHY lightweight wool sac dress! Since Givenchy s unfortunate death last month, pieces actually designed by the legendary designer have become highly sought after. This beautiful gem was designed by the man himself! Lightweight soft wool is perfect for all year. Features a mosaic tile print...Category
1980s French Tunics and Wrap Dresses
- Vintage Arnold Scaasi Size 2 Silk Flower Dress w/ PocketsBy Arnold ScaasiLocated in San Diego, CAAdorable vintage Scaasi 1990s dress! Chic all-over floral print in vibrant hues of pink, orange, green and white. Wonderful high-quality silk. 'Pouf skirt' features braided horsehair...Category
1990s Cocktail Dresses
- Alberta Ferretti Vintage 1990s Size 12 Brown One Shoulder 90s Mini Dress TunicBy Alberta FerrettiLocated in San Diego, CASexy 1990s ALBERTA FERRETTI chocolate brown one shoulder mini dress / tunic! Simply slips over the head and stretches to fit. Great alone or belted, with jeans, etc. Soft rayon knit ...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Strawberry and Daisy Novelty Print Khaki Vintage 70s Cotton Sun DressLocated in San Diego, CAChic 1970s strawberry and daisy novelty print cotton sun dress ! Features a tailored bodice with a flared skirt, which could also accommodate a crinol...Category
1970s American Cocktail Dresses
- 1970s Rhonda Roy Abstract Print Mock Neck Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Maxi DressLocated in San Diego, CAAmazing early 1970s RHONA ROY of England abstract print maxi dress ! Warm colors of purple, tan and brown throughout. In great condition Approximately Size ...Category
1970s Maxi Dress
- Dolce & Gabbana gold lace and python shirt dress, ss 2005By Dolce & GabbanaLocated in London, GB▪ Dolce & Gabbana gold lace and python shirt dress ▪ Python trim ▪ 4 front python flap pockets ▪ Matching python belt ▪ Rolled-up sleeves ▪ Tortoise butt...Category
Early 2000s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- F/W 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Psychedelic Print Sheer Strapless DressBy Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a psychedelic print quilted strapless Gianni Versace Couture dress, designed by Donatella Versace. This gorgeous dress debuted on the Fall/Winter 2002 runway as look numbe...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Sheer Pop Art Print Strapless DressBy Donatella Versace, Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a pop art-inspired Gianni Versace dress designed by Donatella Versace. This strapless dress features a ruched bust with a tiered sheer mesh skirt...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- F/W 2000 Gucci by Tom Ford Runway Gold Pink Lurex Metallic Sheer Dress Y2KBy Tom Ford for Gucci, GucciLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a glittery disco-chic geometric gold lurex shift dress designed by Tom Ford for Gucci's Fall/Winter 2000 collection. Debuting as look 30 on Talytha Pugliesi, this piece is...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- F/W 2001 Dolce & Gabbana Cheetah Print Halter Neck Scarf Tie Backless DressBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a formfitting beige light brown Dolce and Gabbana halter neck dress with a cheetah print necktie. From the Fall/Winter 2001 collection, this dress is semi-ruched with fabr...Category
Early 2000s Italian Day Dresses
- S/S 1990 Norma Kamali Runway Green Ruched Stretch Flare Mini DressBy Norma KamaliLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a figure-hugging ruched flare dress designed by Norma Kamali for her Spring/Summer 1990 "Moon Motel" collection. This dress debuted in the season's runway presentation, wh...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail 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?