Halston Dresses: The Life of the Iconic Designer and his Stunning Designs

If something could be innovative, commercial and chic, all at the same time, then it could be only one thing- a Halston dress. A born artist, a gifted designer and an extraordinarily creative couturier, Halston was one of the leading labels in the 70s and a big hit among celebrities of that time. The geometric patterns, all the shimmer and show stopping designs made the designer one of the biggest names in the fashion industry and gave him all the international acclaim that he truly deserved. Here’s a glance at the life and career of the couturier:

Birth and origins: Roy Halston Frowick’s work is closely associated with glitz and glam aesthetics. However, his humble origin is totally opposite to the disco-glam beauty most commonly found in his clothes. Halston was born in 1932 in Des Moines. His interest in sewing developed when he was still a child and he used to alter clothes for his family members. Halston started with making hats for his family and was greatly inspired by his mother.

Initial days: When he was 20, he moved to Chicago and started his career as a hat designer. After his designs started gaining huge popularity in Chicago he opened his fist store. He then took off to New York where he worked for Lilly Daché until he was hired as the head milliner in Bergdorf Goodman.

Move to NYC: In 1958 Halston met Charles James when he first moved to New York who later became one of his greatest mentors. Charles was the one who inspired and encouraged Halston to make the switch to clothing from hats. However, as Halston became increasingly popular as a couture designer James career witnessed an eventual downfall. In 1970 they worked on a collection together but that was severely criticized by the press. Following this the duo’s relationship became bitter and never improved.

International fame: Halston was internationally acclaimed after the then first lady Jacqueline Kennedy was spotted wearing a Halston hat in 1961 to her husband John F Kennedy’s presidential inauguration. The hat, a lemon yellow pillbox became the cynosure of every eyes. Halston’s dresses were exceptionally popular among celebrities and socialites. By 1968 Halston had his own boutique within Bergdorf Goodman.

The decade of Halston: 1970s was the decade of Halston. He was a prominent figure in the New York nightlife and his designs remained one of the best sellers throughout the 70s. He earned big bucks through licensing his name on not-so-expensive range of clothing and fragrances. This, however, made him lose his credibility to a large extent and some of the leading stores dropped him thereafter.

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