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.
Halston Silk Chiffon Jersey Grecian Goddess Dress
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Halston's iconic ivory cream fine silk jersey two piece Grecian goddess dress. The separate strapless boned bustier bodice of ruched and pleated chiffon ...
Halston Metallic Gown
By Halston
Located in London, GB
Brand New - Halston Metallic Gown Metallic crepe long 'Raelynn' dress embellished with twisted halter-neckline and open back with concealed zip fastening. Rrp Approx. £460 Size – ...
Halston Vintage Silk Charmeuse Strapless Gown with High Slit, Size 2
By Halston
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Halston gown in silk charmeuse. A very architectural look, the bodice wraps around the body ending in the bias cut skirt with high front slit. Interi...
Silk kaki evening bustier dress with rhinestone button ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER
By Alexandre Vauthier
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Silk kaki evening bustier dress with rhinestone button embellishment on the left side on the top of invisible zip closure. High split on the side front. Boned SIZE 34 / XS / SAMPLE
Iconic Halston Matte Jersey Gown
By Halston
Located in New York, NY
Iconic Halston Bias Matte Jersey Gown which became one of his iconic designs. His ability to pare down seams and volumes is evident in this amazingly ...
Rare 1970s Halston Couture Vintage 1976 Gold Lamé One Shoulder 70s Sarong Dress
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
Located in San Diego, CA
Best fits a modern US size 2-4 (Small). Measurements Bust: 32 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: 36 inches Length (top shoulder to longest point of hem): approximately 50 inches A spectacular and exceptionally rare 1976 Halston Couture gold lamé sarong dress, embodying the effortless glamour and Studio 54-era sophistication that made Halston one of the most influential American designers of the twentieth century. Cut from luminous liquid gold lamé, this dramatic one-shoulder design features Halston’s signature Grecian-inspired draping, an elegant shoulder tie detail, and an asymmetrical sarong-style wrap silhouette that moves beautifully with the body. This museum-worthy design represents everything collectors seek in early Halston couture: minimalist construction, luxurious fabric, sensual draping, and timeless glamour. The fluid silhouette appears deceptively simple while showcasing the masterful engineering and bias-cut techniques that established Halston as the designer of choice for fashion icons, socialites, and Hollywood royalty throughout the 1970s. A nearly identical version of this iconic design was worn by legendary journalist and television personality Barbara Walters at the MET Gala in 1977, further cementing the style’s place in American fashion history. The design has also appeared in museum exhibitions dedicated to Halston’s groundbreaking work and was famously revisited decades later when supermodel Carmen Kass wore the same striking silhouette on the red carpet, demonstrating the enduring relevance and collectibility of Halston’s most celebrated creations. The shimmering gold lamé fabric catches light from every angle, creating the liquid-metal effect that became synonymous with Halston’s eveningwear. Equally at home at a black-tie gala, museum event, luxury resort, or red-carpet occasion, this is the type of archival Halston couture piece that rarely surfaces on the market. Best fits a modern US size 2-4 (Small). Measurements Bust: 32 inches Waist: 27 inches Hips: 36 inches Length (top shoulder to longest point of hem): approximately 50 inches Halston’s work has been collected and exhibited by major institutions including the The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and his influence continues to resonate through designers such as Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, and Narciso Rodriguez. Style this extraordinary piece with metallic Christian Louboutin heels, a sculptural Bottega Veneta clutch, vintage Cartier jewelry, or statement pieces from Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Gucci for an effortlessly glamorous look. vintage halston couture dress, 1976 halston, gold lamé dress, gold lame gown, one shoulder evening dress, sarong dress, studio 54 fashion...
1990S Champagne Bias Cut Silk & Rayon Burnout Chiffon Gown Large
Located in New York, NY
1990S Champagne Bias Cut Silk & Rayon Burnout Chiffon Gown Large MORPHEW VINTAGE represents the finest pieces of fashions past. Sourced from across the globe, dating as far back as ...
Halston 1970s Wrap Beaded Gown
By Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
An amazingly detailed elegant red silk beaded wrap dress from Halston. The floor length gown is covered in red glass tubular beads in an intricate abstract shapes pattern with red ne...
BADGLEY MISCHKA Vintage Silk Dusty Yellow Gold Embellished Gown
By Badgley Mischka
Located in Leonardo, NJ
Badgley Mischka Vintage 100% Silk Golden Dusty Yellow Hues Impeccable beadwork throughout This gown is truly one of a kind amazing, my pictures do not do it justice Size US 12 Excel...
Elizabeth Mason Couture Custom Draped Strapless Gold Lame Gown
By Elizabeth Mason Couture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Elizabeth Mason Couture gown is made of the finest silk lame this gown is created at Elizabeth Mason's Beverly Hills Atelier. Handcrafted and designed with excellence. This strapless design features a draped bodice and skirt with a hidden center back zipper closure and fully boned foundation. Completely hand finished and a perfectly tailored. This is a couture custom...
1970s Halston Inspired Multicolor Sequin Gown
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the 1970s Halston Inspired Multicolor Sequin Gown – a stunning homage to the era of disco glamour and sophistication. This sleeveless gown is a work of art that seamlessl...
Yves Saint Laurent Silk Beaded Maxi Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a mid-century gem! This Yves Saint Laurent gown has details upon details. The most remarkable being the intricate beaded creating a pattern around the round neckline and the ...
Melinda Eng Black Chiffon Beaded Sweetheart Neckline Evening Gown circa 1990s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Melinda Eng black chiffon beaded evening gown from the 1990s exudes timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship. Crafted from flowing b...
Jean Paul Gaultier Metallic Layered Net Two-Piece Vintage Dress
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Jean Paul Gaultier Metallic Layered Net Two-Piece Vintage Dress is a striking and avant-garde ensemble that embodies Gaultier’s signature boldness and innovative design. The dress fe...
1980s Lily Rubin Carwash Dress
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
These photos do no justice to the movement of this incredible 1980s Lily Rubin Dress! Covered in long strips of black carwash style fabric. Flattering empir...
Fiandaca Couture Vintage 1960s Sheer Tan Angel Wing Dress With Slip
By Alfred Fiandaca
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step back in time with this exquisite Vintage 1960s Sheer Tan Angel Wing Dress by renowned US designer Alfred Fiandaca. This remarkable piece embodies...
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!)
Makeup and astrology expert Linda Mason dispenses fashion advice for every zodiac sign. Does your wardrobe match your horoscope?
