Halston 1970's Haute Couture Nude One Shoulder Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3229221277632
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: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Chanel F/W 1990 Silk Strapless Dress with ShawlBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYFall/Winter 1990 Chanel Strapless Dress with matching Shawl in sapphire blue and black silk. The dress features a shelf bust strapless design wi...Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- YSL Rive Gauche Fall 1987 Runway Navy Sequin Mini DressBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NYJaw dropping YSL Rive Gauche Fall 1987 Runway Dress. Stunning and sexy, this little dress encapsulates a time period where more is more! The beautiful navy blue sequins throughout the dress pick up light with movement and the off the shoulder ruffle detail adds a fun element to the look. Slightly sheer, the dress can be worn with black undergarments for an eye-catching look or with a strapless slip for a more conservative approach. This is a favorite in the Vintage Grace...Category
1980s Cocktail Dresses
- Chanel 2002 Mesh Navy Mini DressBy ChanelLocated in New York, NYChanel 2002 Mesh Navy Mini Dress. Stunning two piece ensemble that could also be worn as seperates, light weight mesh fabric in a sophisticated navy bl...Category
Early 2000s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Pierre Cardin Black Velvet Evening DressBy Pierre CardinLocated in New York, NYTruly a unique dress by the ever so talented Pierre Cardin. Dating back to the 1960s, this piece is thoughtfully designed with a beautiful black velvet bodice accompanied by a black ...Category
1960s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Chloé by Karl Lagerfeld Blue Long Sleeve Dress With Multi Color SequinBy ChloéLocated in New York, NYChloè by Karl Lagerfeld Blue Long Sleeve Dress With Multi Color Sequin. This dress is a sophisticated and elegant piece in a rich blue hue, with multicolor sequin adorned throughout....Category
1990s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- YSL Rive Gauche Chinese Collection Evening GownBy Yves Saint Laurent Rive GaucheLocated in New York, NY1970s Saint Laurent Rive Gauche evening gown from the Chinese Collection. Chrysanthemum pattern satin fabric in bold purple and black. Features a hi...Category
1970s Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit bodycon dress and cardigan set, fw 1993By Gianni VersaceLocated in London, GB▪ Gianni Versace navy blue open-knit dress and cardigan 2 piece set ▪ Sleeveless bodycon maxi dress with lining ▪ Long-sleeve full-length cardigan ▪ Gold Medusa buttons ▪ Can be wo...Category
1990s Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Vivienne Westwood bronze stretch-velvet and gold foil printed dress, fw 1990By Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GB▪ Vivienne Westwood bronze stretch-velvet evening dress ▪ Gold foil neoclassical print inspired by Andre-Charles Boulle ▪ Concealed zipper at center-back ▪ Size Medium ▪ Fall-Winter...Category
1990s British Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Lilac & Multicolor Patbo One-Shoulder Floral Print Dress Size US 0Located in New York, NYLilac and multicolor floral print one-shoulder tiered ruffle dress by Patbo. Belt at waist. Zip closure at side. 26" bust, 24" waist, 51" length.Category
21st Century and Contemporary South American Evening Dresses and Gowns
- Matthew Williamson Navy Blue Smocked Waist Detail Embellished Neck Sleeveless DrBy Matthew WilliamsonLocated in Dubai, Al Qouz 2When you feel like looking fantastic, pick this dress from Matthew Williamson. This sleeveless outfit exudes modernity and elegance with its beautifully embellished neck and interest...Category
2010s Italian Evening Dresses
- Emilio Pucci Blue Silk DressBy Emilio PucciLocated in Paris, FREmilio Pucci blue silk jersey printed dress featuring an iconic geometric print, a front gathered detail. Composition: 100% silk Estimated size IT42/38fr/US6 /UK10 Made in Italy. In...Category
1990s French Cocktail Dresses
- 1980s A J Bari Vintage Silver Evening Dress w Puffed Gathered Sleeves & PocketsBy A.J. BariLocated in Portland, ORWe love this vintage A. J. Bari vintage dress from the 1980's. The dress is in a silver abstract pattern fabric and it has a gently pleated skirt, gather...Category
1980s American Evening 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?