Seventies Glitter and Glamour:
The Halston Story
Timeless Elegance: The Allure of Halston's Iconic Fashion
Since the early days of fashion, certain styles have managed to transcend eras and continue to inspire generation after generation. Among them, Halston's designs remain a beacon of timeless elegance and allure. Even though the world has witnessed various fashion trends come and go, the spirit of the '70s, epitomized by Halston's creations, persists as an enduring symbol of glamour and sophistication.
Halston, the visionary designer who became the first real American household name in fashion, captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts with his bias-cut dresses and elegant jumpsuits. His unique approach to minimalist glamour resonated with the '70s era, which was characterized by hedonism and self-expression. His creations adorned countless dance floors and adorned the most glamorous women of the time.
Before establishing his eponymous label, Halston's talent was evident when he designed the infamous pillbox hat worn by Jackie Kennedy for JFK's presidential inauguration in 1961, marking the beginning of his international acclaim.
One of Halston's remarkable achievements was embracing diversity on the catwalk long before it became a widespread norm. He brought together a group of glamorous women known as "The Halstonettes," featuring icons like Pat Cleveland, Iman, and Beverly Johnson, who effortlessly showcased his designs in their everyday lives.
Studio 54, the legendary nightclub, was Halston's playground, where he observed his Halstonettes gracefully twirl the night away in his creations, solidifying his position as the king of New York fashion.
Another essential connection in Halston's life was with the iconic artist, Andy Warhol. Their friendship led to collaborations on Halston's advertisement campaigns and inspired Warhol's art pieces featuring the designer himself.
The designer's muses included the enchanting Bianca Jagger, whose memorable entrance at Studio 54, wearing a Halston red dress, became the stuff of legends.
Another cherished friend and muse was the legendary Liza Minnelli, who considered Halston her best friend. Their bond translated into Minnelli being draped in Halston's fabrics, epitomizing the essence of their close relationship.
Halston's influence extended beyond the world of fashion; he designed Team USA's uniforms for the 1976 summer and winter Olympic games, setting a trend that other esteemed designers would later follow.
The allure of Halston's designs remains undiminished, as they continue to inspire fashion enthusiasts and designers alike. His legacy is not only a testament to his talent but also a reminder of the magic that happens when art, friendship, and self-expression intertwine.
With a lasting impact on the fashion industry and an indelible mark on the collective memory of a glorious era, Halston's story will forever shine as an emblem of elegance and artistic brilliance.
THE HALSTONETTES
Halston was one of the first designers to truly embrace diversity on the catwalk. The likes of Pat Cleveland, Iman and Beverly Johnson became part of The Halstonettes; the designer’s inner circle of glamorous women who were essentially walking billboards for the brand; wearing Halston’s creations with ease through everyday life.
STUDIO 54-ING
If Halston was the king of New York fashion, Studio 54 was his castle. In the 2019 Netflix series, there were plenty of scenes that feature Halston in the legendary nightclub, a cigarette balancing from his lips, as he watches his Halstonettes twirl the night away, wearing his frocks.
A WARHOL WHIRLWIND
Andy Warhol and Halston were practically BFFs. Not only did the pair both love a good black turtleneck, but they were both a part of the same social circle (through the seventies, it was common to find the pair engrossed in conversation on the glossy couches of Studio 54). Not only did Warhol make an artwork of Jackie Kennedy wearing Halston’s iconic pillbox hat in 1964, but the pop art pioneer both created Halston advertisement campaigns and used the designer as a subject for both his polaroids and screen prints.
THAT BIANCA JAGGER MOMENT
Bianca Jagger was the embodiment of the Halston woman through and through. As one of his ultimate muses, the designer threw the socialite’s 30th birthday party at, you guessed it, Studio 54. And in she rode on that white horse wearing that Halston red dress. Well, she didn’t actually ride in on the horse, she just perched on the stallion for a photo op. All in a night at Studio 54…
GOOD ‘OL LIZA
Alongside Warhol and Jagger was Liza Minnelli, who still, to this day, calls Halston her best friend. The two household names were introduced to one another by Minnelli’s godmother Kay Thompson, whereupon first meeting, Halston reportedly began draping swathes of fabric across the star. They instantly hit it off, and Halston dressed Minnelli through the seventies.
ANGELICA ON THE CATWALK
Not everyone can say they’ve had Angelica Huston walk their fashion show, can they? The legendary actress was very much part of The Halstonettes after moving to New York in 1969 to launch her modeling career. As one of the designer’s many muses, Huston walked the Halpern catwalk on May 23, 1972, going on to wear many of his slinky evening frocks – most famously, at the 47th Academy Awards in 1975.
GOING FOR GOLD
Off the catwalk and onto the track, Halston actually designed Team USA’s uniforms for both the 1976 summer and winter Olympic games. The likes of Levi Strauss & Co. (Levi’s) and Ralph Lauren followed in Halston’s footsteps when it came to designing the attire of the national team.
Above image: Ewan McGregor as Halston. You can watch ‘Halston’ on Netflix .