28 May Halston – What Styles are Still Popular Today?

There is a must-see show on Netflix, starring Ewan Mcgregor as famed American Fashion Designer, Roy Halston. His clean, minimalist designs were popular in the 1970s and with many stars.

Hmm. Sometimes I think about my origins as a Fashion Blogger. Yes, I did need a diversion away from my EDS condition. Yes, I have always loved fashion. But was there more to it?

My hubby’s name is Roy.

My favorite movie as a child was The Wizard of Oz.

See, the connection? Halston’s first name is Roy, and his best friend was Liza Minelli ( Judy Garland’s daughter)

Coincidence?

Haltson

I did enjoy the show, and learned that Halston became a creation unto himself. He grew up in a rural area in Iowa, not in NY or LA, but modestly, yet he was designing hats for his mother as a young boy. He began as a milliner, working for Bergdorf Goodman, and then realized he needed to do more with fashion.  His slicked back hair, and black turtleneck, became a style, as well as the trench coat he wore.

His designs were elegant, flowy and free. with movement.  He began by designing a caftan, then a strapless dress. Liza Minelli was a great friend and often his muse for his designs.

He did, however want to design for the American women and would use ultrasuede and cashmere in some of his designs. Silk and chiffon were some of the other fabrics he used as he loved the luxurious feel and how they moved with the body.

His line  Halston Limited became popular in 1969

Later, in the 70s he became known during the disco glam era of Studio 54.

*photocredit by pinterest

I would certainly wear this to the beach! One of his design creations) 

photo credit ** popsugar

He also designed the famous Pill Box Hat, worn by Jacquie Onassis.  It was actually a bit too small for her, fell off by a gust of wind and was dented. Manufacturers then began making copycat hats with a dent! ( is that silly!?) 

How would some of the designs translate today?

What makes a garment classic?

I really love the designs as to me, they have stood the test of time. With the classic lines, superior fabrics and drape, they look continue to look elegant in design. Now, where to wear it…

1970s Halston

One of the early designs in ultrasuede. An “everyday” dress which wouldn’t get destroyed in the rain.

This translates to today’s fashion as well, and a timeless shape ( A-line- shirt dress).

A showstopper! Love the drape and the gathering at the waist. The one dramatic sleeve.

Today

First, this is a modern style from Halston, and I just love the asymmetrical cut and drape of this top. The dramatic pleats are so fashionable.

if you want a dramatic entrance, look no further! I love the frill shoulder detail and the sleeveless style on one arm. The slit at the opposite leg is very elegant.

This halter style was quite popular with Halston, his iconic red dress had a halter style .

If you want to show off your shoulders this is the type of top to do it in!

What was notable, was how he wanted fabrics to drape on the body.

I am in love with this gorgeous number, the slight peekaboo at the shoulder, the gathered waist and asymmetical hem.

The rose pink color, the jersey fabric, the asymetrical straps, these are signatures of Halston.

I think the company has stayed true to the brand

Oh, now that we are going out a bit more after a year of Covid seclusion, where was that

dinner party  I was invited to? They call this color “Halston red” and I just love everything about this dress!

Well, we can’t adjourn for the weekend without mentioning his jumpsuit designs. The above design is a current one on there website in 2021.

See just one of his designs from the 70s and the inspiration.

According to Halston,

“Pants give women the freedom to move around they’ve never had before. They don’t have to worry about getting into low furniture or low sportscars. Pants will be with us for many years to come—probably forever if you can make that statement in fashion.” wikipedia source

This jumpsuit from the 70s is in red, and has the draping on one shoulder, like many of his designs. The draping is similar today.

A modern current design taking elements of the past. The flowy pant leg style would move with you.

Have you watched the show? What do you think of Halston’s designs? 

Take a look at this red number on Etsy in you are interested 🙂

Have a great Memorial Weekend!

Jess xx