Halston is one of those rare labels that the more time that goes by it actually feels more relevant. It is easy to think of this piece as both a treasured collectible and a closet staple - knowing that every time you slip it on you will look and feel amazing. It has his signature simplicity and masterful draping along with a touch of Studio 54 sexiness thrown in. The dress is made from a deep red, light wool jersey and simply slips on and you hook it into place at the waist. The front crosses over itself with a mid-level plunge that the placement of the fabric and interior hooks hold in place so that you feel safe wearing it. It is cut with the absolute minimal seaming - you can clearly see this especially at the sleeves and how there are no seams to attached them to the bodice, rather they just extend from the same fabric. It is cut on the bias, then wraps and drapes to follow your every curve. The skirt is lean and again it is the crossing over of the fabric that gives you the coverage to wear it and feel secure. The wrapped styling allows the entire front to look like you could step out of the dress at any moment but it is designed to stay in place. The waist is elastic so very comfortable and you could really cinch it in further with a belt. This is signature Halston Studio 54 sexiness but in a dress that you can wear day or night. Excellent condition.

Unlined and wraps to close with flat hooks inside and out at the waist to hold it in place. The waist could be adjusted approx 1" up or down by moving the hooks and has elastic running through it. The wool jersey is a very comfortable and easy weight and feels fabulous on.

Sleeves: 24" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: approx 16-17" flat across but has no true side seams
Waist: 11.5-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 31.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2781

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

Halston single-handedly transformed cashmere from a dowdy British staple to a fashion must-have. These long, slim dresses made of pure cashmere wool became a Halston staple and were designed for that chic modern woman to wear. The wearer was able to move and be superbly comfortable, never worrying about getting wrinkled or being inappropriate or uncomfortable. Every chic woman had to have one. I have included a reference photo of a lighter blue version held in The Met archives and a campaign photo form 1977 that shows a jumpsuit version in the same brilliant blue as this piece has been done. Recently, variations of his work in cashmere were featured in the Museum at FIT exhibit "Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s". In their exhibit notes they mention these cashmere pieces specifically:

"Halston’s use of historical elements to create new collections was sparing. Rather than re-interpret the designs of those who came before him, he made subtle allusions to those designers whose work he most admired. He was inspired by body-revealing activewear and the sinuous, bias-cut gowns of Madeleine Vionnet from the 1930s, while primary influences from the 1940s included the cashmere sweater sets of Mainbocher and the ingenious ties and closures employed by Claire McCardell"

The dress is full length and cut with a single shoulder and falls from there in a column of royal blue cashmere to the floor. In the book "Halston; An American Original", they talk about Halston's cashmere pieces and quote Polly Mellon as saying: "His cashmere pieces to the floor... weren't just tubes: they had armholes, were neat on top, yet very cozy and at the same time elegant". It is said that they were inspired by a close associate that was a dance instructor and were intended to give the body complete freedom.  The color is amazing - a rich blue that is even better on person then how it photoed. It is the kind of color that will flatter most skin tones. These brilliantly colored pieces are not as easy to find for Halston anymore and this dress is an amazing and rare piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. It is made from hand-loomed 100% cashmere made in Italy. Tagged a size L but it appears to be cut small and because it is knit it has stretch and will fit a variety of sizes. I have given the comfortable range of stretch while it is lying flat in the measurements below. You could probably go a little beyond that range listed depending on how fitted you wanted it.

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item#  DD2765

Reference Photos: (1) 1977 Halston Cashmere Dress at the MET Museum  /  (2) Halston with Models, Harper's Bazaar, February 1977.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This beautiful tank from Halston is an absolute dream dress and a shining example of his aesthetic. It is made from a bias cut, red silk jersey. It is a simple construction that uses  a single layer of the fabric so it skims over the body and highlights every curve. One of Halston's signatures was to construct pieces with the absolute minimal seaming and this is a stunning example of how he executed that ideal. The dress is a simple tank style that falls to the floor in a beautiful column of silk jersey that gradually widens as it nears the hem. By the time you get to the lower skirt of the dress there is an amazing amount of fabric in the skirt. The front and back dip down in a scoop and it is just that perfect example of the American sportswear movement of this time period that still incorporated an easy kind of sexuality. It presents as excellent condition but does have some small flaws to review in the condition notes below.

It is made from a single layer of red silk jersey and closes with a back painted metal zipper. The dress has a few small marks and spots on the skirt and an odd little "wave" pattern that seems to run through the fabric on the side lower skirt oddly - this can happen with this fabric if it is not stored properly for extended periods of time. All of this negligible and I photoed the worst bits, There is so much fabric on the lower portion of the dress that once on you don't notice any of this.  Because of the stretch of the fabric there is some give to the measurements listed.

Bust: 11-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20-24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2764

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This fabulous 1972 ultrasuede shirt dress is done in a beautiful cream color. These were THE thing to own in the 1970's - no one had seen this fabric before and they were all the rage! Similar examples are held in The Met's and the Museum at FIT's permanent collection and this particular one is actually the twin of one of theirs. The notes there state: "Wrapping, tying, and folding were all habits of mind for Halston. That the designer prized simplicity is evident in his most famous millinery achievement, the pillbox hat. In this Ultrasuede shirtwaist, perhaps his greatest dressmaking success, he offered a versatile sportswear icon in a new material, allowing for countless individual expressions through personal styling."

I love the that this one has such sleek lines and is so seventies in feel - the color is a simple neutral and the cut is fabulous. These can get stiff as they age but this one is still soft and supple. The waists on these are cut to skim over the torso but the original belt allows you to cinch it in for shape. I love the button front that allows you to use it as a layered piece or light coat as well as a dress. Hidden pockets allow for the perfect cool girl slouch. I have included here the photo from 1972 of Halston surrounded by models in variations of this collection and the photo of the dress held at FIT. Excellent condition.

Unlined and buttons down the front. Has its original tie belt. Pockets on each hip

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2729

Reference Photos: (1) 1972 Halston Ultrasuede Shirt Dress from The Museum at FIT Collection.  /  (2) Halston with various models. Photographed by Duane Michals, Vogue, December 1, 1972.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

These long, slim dresses made of pure cashmere wool were a Halston staple and were designed for that chic modern woman to wear while entertaining at home or in an intimate setting. The wearer was able to move and be superbly comfortable, never worrying about getting wrinkled or being inappropriate or uncomfortable. Really these were one of his signature pieces and every chic woman had to have one. Variations were recently featured in the Museum at FIT exhibit "Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s" In their notes on some of his work they mention these cashmere pieces:

"Halston’s use of historical elements to create new collections was sparing. Rather than re-interpret the designs of those who came before him, he made subtle allusions to those designers whose work he most admired. He was inspired by body-revealing activewear and the sinuous, bias-cut gowns of Madeleine Vionnet from the 1930s, while primary influences from the 1940s included the cashmere sweater sets of Mainbocher and the ingenious ties and closures employed by Claire McCardell"

The dress is full length and cut with long slim sleeves and falls form the shoulders in a column of red cashmere to the floor. The color is amazing - a true red that will flatter most skin tones. Versatile and beautiful, it is an amazing and rare piece of fashion history. Note that this is not perfect but does present very well. Please review condition notes below.

Unlined and slips on to wear. It is made from hand-loomed 100% cashmere made in Italy. There has been some old repairs done to the fabric. It could probably be re-woven properly and the value would instantly double. It could be worn as is and the larger area easily hidden under a belt. Please review the photo provided. This is priced at half the current market value with these small flaws present as is. The fabric does have stretch and due to he forgiving cut will fit a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 16.5-18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2723

Photo: The Museum at FIT, permanent collection

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is an amazing and fun jumpsuit by Halston that is one of those pieces you will wear to death. This is from one of his diffusion lines and it is the second one I have found over the years. It is made from a deep chocolate toweling fabric that has an almost velour finish to it. In the seventies this was very avant garde within the lounge wear. world with designers like Pucci and even Yves Saint Laurent producing pieces that their clients were buying for their jet set lives. Made to just be able to just throw it on, slip on a pair of sandals  or heels and you are ready to go. I love the wide, kimono cut sleeves and the equally wide cut legs. The waist is elastic so will adjust to fit any figure and the front zips as low as you want to dare. You simply step into it, zip and you are ready to go. It's fun and fantastic. Excellent condition.

Unlined and closes at the front with the zipper as shown. Slight wear the the toweling fabric at the back waist and at the edges around the front, but very minor. Elastic at the waist.

Sleeves: 18" with a 14" drop
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16.5" from neck to waist
Pant legs: 42" from waist to hem
Inseam: 30"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2714

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, for her weekly style column on our blog Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I have this in both a taupe-chocolate and black, and I think they are very chic. They have that cool, sleek minimal feel that Halston excelled at. The longer cut makes them incredibly versatile as well since you can wear it as a top or layer it and use it as a long, fitted cardigan. This is the brown version and it is made of a stretch jersey in two weights. A heavier, more opaque version is used for the front and sides and then a lighter, semi-transparent version gives a sexy twist to the sleeves and back. These fit skinny and fitted and were a bit tiny on my mannequin, hence the low button front. They do button up one more from what you see. It is insanely comfortable once on and very sexy. Excellent condition

Unlined with an opaque front and sides. The sleeves and back are semi-transparent. Buttons to close at the front and there are two buttons on each cuff.

Sleeves: 26.5"
Slightly inset shoulders: 12.5"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S758

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I have this in both black and a taupe-chocolate and I think they are very chic. They have that cool, sleek minimal feel that Halston excelled at. The longer cut makes them incredibly versatile as well since you can wear it as a top or layer it and use it as a long, fitted cardigan. This is the black version and it is made of a stretch jersey in two weights. A heavier, more opaque version is used for the front and sides and then a lighter, semi-transparent version gives a sexy twist to the sleeves and back. These fit skinny and fitted and were a bit tiny on my mannequin, hence the low button front. They do button up one more from what you see. It is insanely comfortable once on and very sexy. Excellent condition

Unlined with an opaque front and sides. The sleeves and back are semi-transparent. Buttons to close at the front and there are two buttons on each cuff.

Sleeves: 26.5"
Slightly inset shoulders: 12.5"
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# S757

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I am always thrilled to find amazing examples from Halston, especially when they are as wearable and sensual as this one is. From the 1974 collection comes this wonderful  Halston that is made of layers and layers of his signature, bias cut silk chiffon. This feather light fabric is notoriously difficult to work with but Halston used with like a Master to envelope the body and accentuate curves. The front is kept very simple and sexy with a V-cut neckline at the front and tiny straps that curve over the shoulders. The skirt is incredibly full - if laid out flat it is a full circle with fabric to spare. All of the fabric that is in the skirt is cut on the boas so it falls in a sleek column when you are standing still and twirls and swirls as you move. It is made of three separate layers and this creates a beautiful floating effect. If you are taller it will hit you just above the ankle or just below for smaller girls. This makes it an incredible versatile length to play with. Its absolutely wonderful. Excellent condition.

The bodice is made from two layers of the silk chiffon and the skirt is made of three layers. It closes at the side with a series of snaps and has a flat hook at the waist.

Bust: 13.3-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder strap to waist with a 1/2 inch band at the waist
Skirt: 38" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2704

Reference Photo: Model Carla Araque, 68th Street Salon, June 10 1974. Photo by Sal Traina. (from the book Halston by Phaidon)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

It was around 1973 that Halston embraced sequins and really started to showcase them in his collections. The sequin technique he used at this time differed from later pieces in that the sequins were laid flat in placed in rows that stacked on top of each other. This made the fabric extremely fluid and flexible while giving it a glossy, liquid appearance. It also makes the fabric keep its light feel and because the sequins are laid out onto a silk chiffon, the pieces are wonderful feeling once on. I have included some reference photos of some dresses from that collection using this same technique and also of Liza Minelli wearing a version of one of these suits that year.

The glossy black sequins on this suit are tightly hand placed and sewn onto a silk backdrop. The glossiness and suppleness of the sequins almost becomes a skin on its own and the way it captures the light is incredible. His sequin pieces are incredibly well done and despite their lightness in weight, there is still a sharply defined, underlying structure to them. This suit is cut to follow every curve. The skirt is a fitted pencil cut and the jacket is cut to follow the body and plunges low at the front. It is very sensual and a dramatic piece that is an excellent evening option. Modern girls will also want to mix and match the pieces making the set so very versatile. Excellent condition.

Both pieces are fully lined in black silk. The skirt closes with a zipper and flat hook & eye at the waist band. The jacket slips on and closes below the plunge with a combination of hook and eye and snaps but is constructed so that it does not fully open - the bottom 4" is closed and sewn. There is an inner waist stay inside the jacket that hooks to close. Note there is a little give to the measurements as the silk is cut on the bias.

Jacket
Sleeves: 14.5"
Shoulders: 23"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from waist to hem

Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S473

Reference Photos: (1) Halston's F/W 1973 Collection, 68th Street Salon, June 26 1973. Photo: Sal Traina.  /  (2) Halston's F/W 1973 Collection, Seventh Avenue Showroom, June 7 1973. Photo: Pierre Scherman. (Both from the book Halston by Phaidon).  /  (3) Liza Minnelli in Halston by David Bailey, The Sunday Times Magazine, July 1973.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is an amazing couture Halston dress that is absolutely divine. A similar dress is seen in the book "Halston" (see reference photo). It is entirely cut on the bias with minimal seaming as was his signature style and the color is built through the layering of the silk chiffon. The color of the very top layer and sleeve is a soft ivory and then the inner layers are a nude silk so that the body of the dress has a slightly deeper tone then to do the sleeves. Its a color that is infinitely flattering on most skin tones and walks that perfect balance between a color and a neutral. Halston defined how woman dressed n the 1970s and his cuts both flattered the body and was insanely sexy but they also are amazingly comfortable to wear. This dress is no exception. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything. The front has a deep plunge that laces up. This allows you to wear it in a deep, deep open plunge or to lace it tighter for a more demure effect. The sleeves are fantastic with and angled cut through the shoulders and elastic at the cuffs so that they puff up above the wrist. It is meant to be worn loose and free so that the bias cut chiffon swirls around you when you walk but you could also add a belt or sash for shape. It is amazing and a fine example of Halston at his best. Excellent condition with one small note below.

Constructed from three layers of fine, bias cut silk chiffon - two inner nude colored layers an outer top layer in ivory. The sleeves are unlined. It is all bias cut and just slips over the head to wear with a lace up neckline. Hand finished. There is the very slightest foxing in a small area at the back. I have photoed it - with the amount of fabric it is minimal once on and does not detract.  The loose cut will allow for a variety of sizes.

Sleeves: 29" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 16.5-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 48" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# DD2662

Reference Photo: Nancy North arriving at a Halston party, New York, September 21, 1974. Photo: Ron Galella. (From the book “Halston” by Phiadon)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

In 1975 Halston introduced menswear and his signature fragrance and he also showed this abstract prints and this fabulous pure red. In the reference pic within the photos here, you see a similar print on a longer more caftan dress. I also found the twin of this piece held in the permanent collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The notes found there state: "Halston used very few prints and patterns in his collections, but he knew the importance of prints for camouflaging problems areas. He preferred abstract and irregular patterns over recognizable motifs. This dress has a very complicated construction. The bodice with its raglan sleeves and the sash were all cut in one piece on the bias, while the skirt was cut on a straight grain. The sash extends from the back of the bodice and ties in the front."

This chic and simple day dress version still employs the minimal seaming that Halston was so very good at but with a more sexy fit and that incorporated one of his signature wraps details. The dress slips over the head and has minimal seaming. The sleeves are long and slim and the body of the dress hugs your curves. At the back the fabric is not attached all along the waistline and it extends at the sides into long ties that you then wrap and tie at the front to cinch in the waist. In the Phaidon Halston book there is a quote by Bob Colacello that states "His colors were so American, they were like out of a Crayola crayon box. Halston's red and purple and green were like true colors; they weren't pastels, they weren't dark, they weren't iridescent - they were very true and very American".  I love the red of this piece and the little pops of white print that covers the dress. Very fabulous and chic. Excellent condition

Unlined and made of a stretch silk jersey. Slips over the head with elastic at the waist. The back has extended ties that wrap to the front and tie. The back is intentionally left unattached to the waist. Hidden pockets the hips. The fabric has stretch so will accommodate a variety of sizes and the measurements below are the comfortable range lying flat.

Sleeves: approx 18"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 10-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 27" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2614

Reference Photos: (1) Mid 1970s Halston Day Dress at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  /  (2) Harper’s Bazaar September 1975. Photo by William Connors (from the book “Halston" by Phiadon)

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

Halston is one of those rare labels that the more time that goes by it actually feels more relevant. It is easy to think of this piece as both a treasured collectible and a closet staple - knowing that every time you slip it on you will look and feel amazing. It has his signature simplicity and masterful draping along with a touch of Studio 54 sexiness thrown in. The dress simply slips on and you hook it into place at the waist. The front crosses over itself with a mid-level plunge that the placement of the fabric and interior hooks hold in place so that you feel safe wearing it. It is cut on the bias so wraps and drapes to follow your every curve. The skirt is lean and again it is the crossing over of the fabric that gives you the coverage to wear it and feel secure. The wrapped styling allows the entire front to look like you could step out of the dress at any moment but it is designed to stay in place. The waist is defined by a band of the same fabric and you could really cinch it in further with a belt. This is signature Halston Studio 54 sexiness but in a dress that you can wear day or night. Excellent condition.

Unlined and wraps to close with flat hooks inside and out at the waist to hold it in place with no other closures. Tagged a vintage 6 but please check measurements. The waist could be adjusted approx 1" up or down by moving the hooks. The fabric feels like a light silk mix with an almost linen cotton feel to it. Very light and easy to wear but would wear well and not wrinkle easily.

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from neck to waist
Skirt: 31" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: DD2598

Item# XS-SML

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

These are so hard to find and this is a fine example. The Halston sequin cloche was a mainstay of the Studio 54 set. Bianca Jagger famously wore a red beret version but this one is the more fitted cap design. It is made of a stretch lurex knit upon which hundreds of glossy black sequins are fixed. It will stretch to fit most sizes and is a fabulous finish to any outfit. These are super hard to find so is a real little treasure. Excellent condition

Size: 20" approx. circumference but has give so will fit up to 23" comfortably

Item# A301

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This was said to have been a Halston, however it has no tags and I have not been able to verify that 100% so I am hesitant to list it as a Halston without proper verification. He certainly did do a series of tie dye caftans for his 1972 collection and this does follow the lines of what he was producing so it very well may be a true Halston. If so then you are getting it at a truly bargain price. Regardless, it is a beautiful piece of wearable art and a spectacular statement piece. The range of colors and the tie dye design that flows across the silk is divine. The cut has that draped, goddess, flowing feel to it of a true caftan. All of the edges are hand finished and the cut is simple a keyhole for the neck and opening left on each side for the arms. This allows that spectacular pattern on the silk to command center stage. It presents as excellent collection but does have some flaws so please read the paragraph below.

It slips on to wear with no closures. There is a ties at the neck. On each side of the neckline the fabric has torn slightly - please review the photos. This could be corrected by widening the neckline slightly. I see two small areas of thinning to the fabric that I also photoed. These are close together on the front side about 8 inches up from the hem. Once on they don't show because of the amount and drape of fabric

Length: 51" top to bottom
Width: 55" side to side

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# DD2580

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

For the Resort 1980 show Halston debuted the ruffle. In the book "Halston, An American Original" It is noted that " this was somewhat of a departure for him, but one that offered him an engineering challenge". Others were doing the ruffle and Halston was "determined to find a way to do it better". By 1980 ruffles were shown in their full glory and WWD even nicknamed Halston "Mr. Ruffle". Ruffles were everywhere between that collection and 1982 and silks and silk organza's were his fabric of choice for both their delicacy and lightness, but also their ability to hold and create the shapes he desired. In the photo attached he is seen with a bevy of models, one wearing what appears to be the longer version of this midi-dress and you can see how wonderfully it sits when on a real body.

This dress is stunning. Made of a deep vivid royal blue that is deeper and more rich in person then how it photoed. The construction is amazing - the ruffles are overlapped and they wind and curve around the body in a spiral. Not pieced together but each a long independent curved cut panel of fabric attached on a curve to the base silk.. Technically this is very difficult and uses an extreme amount of fabric. It would be cost prohibitive to try to replicate this today. The angle of the neckline follows the swoop of the curves giving it the feel of one of his signature one shoulder pieces but in this case one shoulder is held up by a tiny silk strap and the other other is a top of a tier. Once on the body it falls into place and creates the astonishing cascade that somehow managed to combine volume and length at the same time. It is a work of art and a testament to the genius of Halston. Excellent condition

Unlined with hand finished interior seams. It is bias cut and slips over the head to wear with no closures. The bias cut allows for a wide variety of sizes as it drapes and falls into place once on so it will work on a larger range of sizes and will just come up in length if you are larger and fall lower if smaller. The color is deeper in person.

Bust: 17.5-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 46" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2544

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

In 1981 Haslton still remained in full control and at the helm of his internartional brand. He has not yet singed the international licensing agreements (that was to happen in 1983) that would be the beginning of his downfall. At this point he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was clamoring for his work. His pieces where sky high and the work impeccable. His beaded and sequin pieces where, like this lovely little jacket all hand made in India and her personally was choosing the fabrics and materials used. The 1981 collection was especially intricate with heavily beaded and sequinned pieces featured. This is one of those pieces and is made of a cut work silk organza in a silver hue whose pattern is held together by looped stitched that run between the pieces and leave a hint of skin peeking through. Over this and following the design is an edging of silver glass tube beads and miniature pearls. All hand applied and placed to give the jacket a swirling organic feel. In the book Halston published by Phiadon, a similar piece in red in shown on Katherine Graham, the American publisher who led the Washington Post for more then two decades. Also from that book is a photo of Halston with models fromt he show and you can see the girl in the gold wearing a similar piece over a skirt and belted with a sash. A great styling option to copy. Really a wonderful piece. Excellent condition.

The body of the jacket is fully lined in a grey silk chiffon and it closes at the front with hook and eye. There may be the very occasional break in the thread but no areas that I can see offhand. Hand done.

Sleeves: 21.5" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: approx 19" flat across but no true side seams due to the cut of the arm
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S733

Reference Photos: from Halston book published by Phaidon. (1) Halston with models, December 7 1981, photo Ron Galella.  (2) Katherine Graham, October 29 1981, photo Globe photos.  /  (3-4) Amanda Lee Shirreffs for her weekly column on our blog, Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is an amazing couture Halston set that is absolutely divine and very rare and special! It is entirely cut on the bias with minimal seaming as was his signature style. The color is two tones of hand dyed color - a deep burgundy and a lighter hue of the same - both are infinitely flattering on most skin tones and work as a beautiful alternative to black. Halston defined how woman dressed in the 1970s and his cut both flattered the body and was insanely sexy but they also are amazingly comfortable to wear. This set is no exception. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything. The inner dress is suspended by one hook at the shoulder and is made of three full layers of weightless silk chiffon in the lighter of the two colors. The dress then has a second piece made of the same silk. This is a huge rectangular scarf or shawl piece that is made of two layers of silk chiffon that are attached. With this equally weightless piece you can create countless looks - I quickly styled a half dozen here and you could easily get more elaborate if you started using brooches or got more creative. When draped over the shoulder and tied oit creates a full second outer layer, cascading down and over the inner layer for the ultimate Grecian Goddess feel.  It is amazing and a fine example of Halston at his best! Museum quality with one small item to note below.

Constructed in bias cut layers as described above. The inner dress slips on and has a hook at the top of the shoulder and the shawl, second outer layer is a double layer of silk in two colors tones. Hand finished. It is all bias cut. Note that there is some areas of discoloration on the dress's skirt - I have attempted to photo it. It is very subtle and I substantially reduced the listing price. When the shawl is worn over it in pretty much any way it is unnoticeable. If you really wished you could have the inner dress layers redone and switched about since the areas does not go all the way through but it is listed in the original, as found condition. The boas cut allows for a larger range of sizing.

Dress
Bust: 13.5-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 13.5-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 62" from shoulder to hem but will come on once one

Shawl/Outer Layer
80" x 39"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2473

Photo Credit: "Halston" by Phiadon, 2001. Various Halston dresses held in The Metropolitan Museum Permanent collection, NYC

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

Halston was at the forefront in taking simple and known silhouettes for day and making them into extravagant and yet still easy to wear evening pieces by changing the fabrics to fluid silks and sequins and keeping the cut as easy and simple as possible. This allowed dresses, like this one, to drape wonderfully on the body and created a new form of sexuality that was a mix of high glamour and the more casual American nod to dressing. This is a particularly good example of that and still extremely wearable even now. Halston had the fabric for these little sequin covered dresses hand made in India and it is a combination of a fine silk chiffon densely covered in iridescent sequins. This one is a chic mix of silvers and pewter, deepening to glossy blacks and edged with little round silver beads. That effect of the light on these sequins once you have this one on and you move is just amazing. It slips on and falls into place in a simple tunic shaped sheath. I love the excessive cowl at the neck and how the sleeves are cut wide and full. The cut and construction are what one would expect from one of the most eminent of the great American designers. Similar pieces were prominent and on display at the Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede Exhibit. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. There is perhaps some small areas of missing sequins but none that overly distract. The loose and easy cut will allow it to fit a wider range of sizes.

Sleeves: 22.5" approx.
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 41" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2362

Photo credit: Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede Exhibit

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I love Halston and to find one of his silk evening coats is a rare thing and this one is exceptional. I have had a similar version in red that was cut a little shorter but I love this length for its versatility. It is cut with his masterful mind towards minimalist and with the utmost respect to the fabric. This beautiful little coat is all rounded seams combined with the sensual tactile experience of the silk satin. The color is a deep jet black and when done in a silk satin, it has a depth and extra tone that conveys a sense of rich luxury. It slips on, wraps and ties into place to create shape. Once tied the the rounded, almost sculptural shoulders are balanced with the created flare at the hip. It is tagged with the couture black tag and is a wonderful versatile and rare piece that is both infinitely wearable and collectible. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk and wraps and ties to close. Front slant pockets on each hip and original tie belt. The wrapped cut will allow for a fuller range of sizes.

Sleeves: 22.5"
Dropped shoulders: 17.5"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C398

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.