halston
Incredible Spring 1978 Halston Plunged & Pleated White Wrap Silk Chiffon Runway Dress
This is a stunning Halston that is very rare and very special. I have had it in my archives for a long time and for some reason it feels like it is the time to let it go. That season Halston did a series of pieces using this pleated silk jersey. This was a runway piece and we've included the runway shot here. It is also interesting to note that they looked to have added a belt on the dress to style it for the show. I love when you can see how the designer intended it to be styled. At this point in his career pieces would have been made in very limited quantities. That alone makes this dress that much more special never mind to have runway documentation. It is an incredible example of his work from this time period. And it is a killer dress.
The dress is made from a light weight silk that has tiny pleat work throughout. Like most of his best work its design is simple yet impactful. As in many of his pieces his genius lies in the ability to use the least possible amount of seams yet he still manages to create the most stunning lines. The dress wraps around and is secured through the inner waist with snaps and hooks to keep it in place. The waist has elastic running through it that gives it this incredible ease once it is on the body. The front plunges into a low V and there is a tiny snap to hold it more securely in place. I did not use it for these photos but if you wanted a plunge that was a little less extremely you could close it a bit more with this snap. It skims over the bodice and comes in at the waist. You could add a belt if you wanted more shape or wear it as it is. The skirt wraps below that and falls in a cascade of the silk. The pleating gives it a little movement so that it moves wonderfully when you walk and the wrap allows a touch of leg to show when you move or sit. The sleeves are the star of the show on this dress. They are cut extra long and on a curve. They come in at the wrist where they snap to close and pouf and balloon fantastically above that. On my dress form they hang low but you can see in that glimpse of a shot how they billow around the arm and wrist once they are actually on. It is an incredible dress and like many of his pieces it truly will only come to life once there is a body in it. It is remarkable and a true piece of fashion history. This would make an amazing wedding dress for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration. And of course it could also be worn to any event. Excellent condition
Unlined and wraps around you to close. It hooks and snaps in places around the waist. The waist is elastic so there is give there. You could also get less of more room by moving some of the hooks inside if needed. The range given below is the comfortable range where they are now. Each cuff has hidden set snaps to close and there is a bit of room to move those as well. I have put XS-MED and with some moving of the inner hooks / snaps it would probably work on a larger frame as well
Sleeves: 30" but will come up once on
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open on the sides and will accommodate from 15-19" flat " flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15-16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# DD4106
Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1978 Halston Runway. / (2-4) Halston Spring 1978 Ready to Wear Advance.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
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SIZE GUIDE
Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.