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 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...
1980s Andre Laug Couture Multi-Coloured Sequinned Dress
By André Laug
Located in London, GB
This 1980s Italian haute couture / alta moda design from Andre Laug appears to be the runway worn dress as it features some additional sewn-in tabs that indicate a collection and des...
1970s Fully Sequined One Shoulder Sexy Ombre Aqua Silver Vintage 70s Gown Dress
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 1970s fully sequined turquoise blue and silver one shoulder gown ! Features thousands of hand-sewn sequins throughout the entire dress. Silver and aqua sequins throughout. Hidde...
$4,495
Size: Medium / Large
1970s Halston Black Sequin Wrap Dress Vintage Studio 54 Disco Evening Red Carpet
By Halston, Roy Halston Frowick
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...
Halston 1970s Documented Beaded Dress
By Halston
Located in Water Mill, NY
Featured in "Halston: An American Original" by Elaine Gross and Red Rottham, this beautiful sleeveless off white silk dress from Halston is comple...
Stunning Early 1990s Custom All Over Sequin + Crystals Pink Vintage Mermaid Gown
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite early 90s sequin gown! Features thousands of pale pink micro sequins throughout the dress, with crystal embellishments at sleeves, bust, and back...
$448Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Frank Usher Glitter Dress
By Frank Usher, Frank Usher London
Located in Miami, FL
All the disco vibes from this Frank Usher dress. Sheer black dress with sleeves. The sheer fabric is covered in glitter leaf design of red and bronze. The dress crosses over almo...
1970S Loris Azzaro Teal Metallic Silk Chiffon Sequin Beaded Sea Goddess Gown
By Loris Azzaro
Located in New York, NY
1970S Loris Azzaro Teal Metallic Silk Chiffon Sequin Beaded Sea Goddess Gown
1960s William Travilla Green and Blue Sequin Dress
By William Travilla
Located in London, GB
This is a late 1960s or early 1970s couture sequinned maxi gown by William Travilla whose name is synonymous with Marilyn Monroe for whom he worked as a costume designer from 1952. He designed, arguably, the most famous cinematic dress in history, the white pleated halterneck dress for 'The Seven Year Itch' and was Oscar nominated 5 times winning for 'The Adventures of Don Juan' where he designed costumes for Errol Flynn. He designed for his own label from 1957 and was widely acclaimed for his work on the television series The Thorn Birds and Dallas during the 1980s. The silk fabric in this gown is just beautiful and has an abstract almost painterly foliage print design; the vibrant greens and blues invoke a tropical vibe. Overlaying the silk from head to toe are tightly spaced clear sequins that have been joined together with a a silver thread giving an iridescence to the top layer of organza. The dress has a deep V-neck crossover empire line bodice with hidden covered popper buttons for modesty along the V-line. The gathered skirt is very full and is separately lined underneath in a fine quality silk crepe. A green velvet band with a neat bow completes the look. There's lots of hand finishing details on this dress and it is so well made that you could wear it either way around depending on whether you wanted slightly more coverage. The label inside the dress reads 'Haute Couture by Sally's and then the address is Palisades Park, New Jersey. Whilst not strictly, haute couture, this dress is as close to American designer royalty that you can get. A fellow vintage dealer I very much admire, Shrimpton...
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...
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?
