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.
1970s Halston Black Sequin Wrap Dress Vintage Studio 54 Disco Evening Red Carpet
By Roy Halston Frowick, Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
A rare and glamorous 1970s Halston black sequin wrap dress, the epitome of Studio 54 chic. Designed with Halston’s signature minimalist sophistication, this dazzling piece is fully c...
Yves Saint Laurent 1980s Black and White Abstract Flower Print Silk Crepe Dress
By Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage 80s YVES SAINT LAURENT YSL Rive Gauche black and white abstract flower print long sleeve silk crepe dress ! Features a tailored bod...
Bill Blass F/W1983 Black Silver Metallic Velvet 1980s Evening Gown Vintage Dress
By Bill Blass
Located in San Diego, CA
Approximately Size US 6 / 8 ( Model in video is US Size 6, and 5’8 feet tall ) Measurements: Up to 48 inch bust ( dolman sleeves ) 27 inch waist 38 inch hips 57 inches from top back shoulder seam to hem A breathtaking and rare Bill Blass Fall/Winter 1983 evening gown in dramatic black and silver metallic velvet, capturing the high-glamour sophistication of early-1980s American couture. The fabric has a reptile-inspired, almost crocodile-effect texture that shimmers in motion, shifting from deep inky black to liquid silver under the light—utterly camera-ready and red-carpet worthy. The gown showcases Blass’s signature blouson bodice, softly draped through the shoulders and sleeves for easy, fluid movement. A defined elasticized waist creates shape while remaining comfortable and forgiving, then falls into a long, straight column skirt that elongates the figure. The sleeves are gently gathered at the wrists with hidden zippers, echoing the soft volume of the bodice. Down the back, a row of covered buttons adds a refined finishing touch and reinforces the couture feel of the piece. From every angle, the metallic velvet catches the light, making this gown a standout choice for formal events, galas, and editorial moments. Perfect for collectors and clients who love a dramatic, era-correct 1980s silhouette with a modern, minimalist edge. ⸻ Styling Notes This F/W 1983 metallic velvet gown is incredibly versatile for evening: • Pair with strappy black or silver heels and a sleek clutch for classic black-tie styling. • Add sculptural silver or hematite jewelry to echo the metallic shimmer. • Layer with a black velvet or satin opera coat or a vintage fur stole...
1980s Vicky Tiel Couture Sz 10 12 Black White Houndstooth Butterfly Silk Dress
By Vicky Tiel
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic vintage late 80s VICKY TIEL COUTURE black and white houndstooth and butterfly print iridescent long sleeve belted dress! I have never seen a fabric quite like this-it is beautif...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent 1980s ' Rive Gauche ' Black + White Leaf Dress & Sash
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage YSL "Rive Gauche" black and white silk dress! Wonderful leaves printed throughout, w/ tiny leaves surrounding the large on...
1970s Halston Couture Black Silk Chiffon Beaded Long Sleeve Vintage 70s Dress
By Halston
Located in San Diego, CA
Exceptional vintage 70s HALSTON Couture black silk chiffon beaded dress and sash belt or head scarf! Features a separate black silk chiffon slip wi...
Vintage Donald Brooks 1970s Black Silver Metallic Maxi Dress, XS Fit
By Donald Brooks
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
Authentic, preowned vintage Donald Brooks Boutique black and silver metallic Lurex maxi dress, circa early 1970s. A striking example of American designer eveningwear, this glamorous ...
1970's Geoffrey Beene Black & White Cross Halter Gown
By Geoffrey Beene
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Stunning Geoffrey Beene Boutique gown dating from the 1970s. Cut from black and white printed fabric, the gown features a cross over halter neckline that fastens with snaps at nape o...
1980s Ungaro Velvet Yolked Crepe Print Black and White Smock Dress
By Emanuel Ungaro
Located in Gresham, OR
1980s Ungaro smock dress: velvet shoulder yolk with tie neckline, edged in ruffled black and white "coffee bean" print. Full sleeves and "smock" style fit. Fully lined and button d...
1970's Fendi Black and White Printed Ensemble
By Fendi
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Late 70's Fendi rayon/viscose ensemble. The top features a high-low hem, a front pocket, and a short sleeved batwing with buttons up the back. The skirt is loosely pleated with a ban...
DVF Vintage Silk Jersey Black and White Leaf Print Wrap Dress – XS - S, 2000s
By Diane von Furstenberg
Located in Tucson, AZ
Von Furstenberg’s iconic and hard-to-find abstract leaf print was briefly reissued in the early 2000s and appears here on her timeless wrap dress. A chic and versatile take on a wardrobe classic. Collarless wrap dress with bracelet sleeves; tie front closure; hanging loops. Unlined. fabric: silk jersey noteworthy: dry clean only alterations: none condition: excellent measurements (approximate due to stretch and adjustability): neckline drop: approx. 11” shoulders: 16” sleeve length: 19” from shoulder, 13” from underarm sleeve circumference: 10” bust: approx. 36” waist: approx. 28” hips: approx. 36” length: 39 ½” from shoulder, 33 ½” from underarm sweep: 46” label: Diane von Furstenberg Vintage...
1970s Adolfo Black and White Graphic Maxi Knit Dress w/ Rhinestone Accents
By Adolfo
Located in Gresham, OR
A fantastically graphic black and white Adolfo knit rayon maxi dress with coordinated black and white shoulder pads. Each black and white figure...
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?
