Halston Purple Silk Single Shoulder Silk Evening Gown 1970's
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Dimensions:Length: 61.5 in (156.21 cm)Bust: 32 in (81.28 cm)Waist: 26 in (66.04 cm)Hip: 36 in (91.44 cm)
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Studio City, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU35711532152
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: Studio City, CA
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Unlabeled Couture Silk Chiffon Floral & Striped Sleeveless Maxi DressLocated in Studio City, CAUnlabeled couture chiffon floral and striped sleeveless maxi dress in purple, fuchsia, navy blue, and green. The dress has a square neckline, flutter sleeves and waist ties. Fully li...Category
1960s French Maxi Dress
- 1990 F/W Gianni Versace Couture Purple Silk & Wool Mini DressBy Gianni Versace CoutureLocated in Studio City, CA1990 F/W Gianni Versace couture purple wool faux-wrap mini dress with criss-crossing straps at the back and purple silk design elements: a silk ruched waistband, silk overstitched bu...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- 1990s Versace Couture Black Party Dress w/Medusa ButtonsBy VersaceLocated in Studio City, CA1990's Versace couture label black mini dress with boning at the bodice and transparent "Medusa" buttons at the straps. In excellent condition. No size ...Category
Late 20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Pierre Cardin Space Age Pink Satin Mini Dress w/Circle Motif ca.1969By Pierre CardinLocated in Studio City, CAThis luxurious 1969 pink satin shift mini-dress is a masterful example of Pierre Cardin’s “Space Age” creations. With its recti-linear shape that stands away from the body, Cardin fr...Category
1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- 1970's Courreges Black A-Line Evening Gown w/Cap Sleeves & Floral CutoutsBy André CourrègesLocated in Studio City, CA1970’s Courreges “Couture Future” black wool A-line evening gown with cap sleeves and floral cutouts at neckline. Cutouts are backed by stretch nylon with sequin detail at center flo...Category
1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Chloe Hand Painted Silk Multi-Layered Gown w/Hand Written French PrintBy ChloéLocated in Studio City, CAVintage Chloe orange-pink silk spagetti strap maxi dress w/layers that can be worn multiple ways. Hand-painted gold writing at bottom in French. In excellent condition. Size EU 38. ...Category
Late 20th Century French Evening Dresses and Gowns
- S/S 2002 Gianni Versace by Donatella Purple Lace-Up Eyelet DressBy Gianni Versace Couture, Donatella VersaceLocated in West Hollywood, CAPresenting a purple plunging eyelet dress designed by Donatella for the Gianni Versace Spring/Summer 2002 collection. The eyelets that cover every inch of this dress give it a flirty...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Arnold Scaasi Purple One Shoulder Textured Gown, 1960sBy Arnold ScaasiLocated in West Palm Beach, FLArnold Scaasi Purple One Shoulder Textured Gown - 8 - 60's This spectacular and unique one shoulder textured gown has a straight fit and an extra layer that comes across the front an...Category
1960s American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vintage Donald Campbell Purple Silk DressLocated in London, GBA chic vintage silk dress by Donald Campbell. As you would expect the silk is super soft with a wonderful texture. The upper area of the dress is unlined, and the skirt area lined. I...Category
1980s British Cocktail Dresses
- Nina Ricci Couture Dress Collection Jeune Femme, 1970sBy Nina RicciLocated in Toulon, FRCirca 1970/1975 France Stunning long dress in crepe silk purple labelled Nina Ricci collection Jeune Femme dating to the 70s. Monastic and futuristic taste fashionable during the 70s thanks to Pierre Cardin or Paco Rabanne. Buttons on the handles of puff sleeves, wide chest...Category
1970s French Aesthetic Evening Dresses
- An French Skirt Suit in Polkadot Silk Crepe By F. Dubois Circa 1965Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1960/1970 France Elegant skirt suit in navy blue printed silk crepe with white polka dots signed by Y. Dubois in Nice from the 1960s. Two-piece summer set, with long-sleeved b...Category
1960s French Day Dresses
- A French Navy Chiffon Cocktail Dress with White Polka Dots Circa 1975Located in Toulon, FRCirca 1975 France Elegant cocktail or ceremonial dress in navy chiffon printed with white polka dot stencil, signed Anne Valone Paris Circa 1975. Dr...Category
1970s French 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?