Roy Halston Frowick, known simply as Halston, was an influential American fashion designer born in 1932. He is known as the "world's first internationally renowned designer" and was influential in the 1960s and 1970s with his minimalist designs using basic colors and innovative fabrics like Ultrasuede. Halston helped usher in simpler, more minimal styles as a counter to the bold 1960s fashions. He dressed celebrities and was a fixture of the 1970s disco scene. Though no longer designing, the Halston brand continues today targeting a similar upscale demographic as in the designer's heyday.

1. ARIEL B. DECEMBER 2012

2. Roy Halston Frowick
Born in Des Moines Iowa in 1932
Learned to sew from his mother
Attended one semester at Indiana University before enrolling
at SAIC
Known as “world’s first internationally renowned designer”
Influential women’s clothing designer during the 60’s and
70’s

3. Did you know?
Before designing women’s clothing, Halston
owned a millinery shop in Chicago and is known
for creating the pillbox hat that Jackie O wore at
JFK’s 1961 inauguration.

4. Signature design elements
Minimalism/Minimal cutting Basic colors: blacks, whites, and reds, usually
accented by a bright pop of color
“[He] invented minimalism - that one note look. To
Halston less was more.”
-US Vogue contributing editor Andre Leon Taley

5. Demographics/psychographics
of customers
60‘s/70‘s: Upper class women ages 25-45, usually of
Today: Now that Halston has been relaunched,
Caucasian decent, who held some sort of high position
they aim to target basically the same type of
in society in major metropolitan areas and had a large
customer, but the age range is a little lower, with
discretionary income. After he licensed his line to JC
many young celebrities from age 20-45 wearing
Penny, women from many different income levels were
Halston.
able to purchase his lines.
Anjelica Huston modeling for Halston Dakota Fanning in Halston

6. Product Price Range
60‘s/70‘s: When Halston opened his first store, he had Today: The new line features dresses in the $300-$700
clothes sold at two different price-points. There was one price range.
lower-priced floor with mass produced garments and an
upper floor with custom-made garments.
When he debuted his famous Ultrasuede shirtwaist
Modern day Halston off-the-shoulder dress $395
dress in 1972, the price was $185, but demand sent it
at Bloomingdales
to $360.

7. Halston on Size
“You have to have something for the woman who is
overweight--a loose tunic and pants is good because it
elongates the body. You have to have something for the
woman with hips--the princess line works for her.
Caftans are fine for the woman whose figure isn't
perfect.”
Halston now carries sizes 00-14

8. Commonly Used Fabric
Halston was known for his use of Ultrasuede--the first synthetic ultra-microfiber-- especially in his infamous shirtwaist dresses. This was a sheer material that really
showcased the minimalism that he strived for in his work, structuring the body and hugging it in the proper places.

9. Ultrasuede
Halston with models showcasing his use of Ultrasuede

10. Current Merchandise
Halston is still found in the marketplace, although obviously under new management and known mostly as
Halston Heritage. Stores that carry the line include Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and
Bloomingdales. Even Zappos.com carries a few select pieces. Imitations of the shirtwaist dress can be found on e-
retailers such as Etsy as well as independent vintage retailers.
Halston Heritage Dress from Neiman Marcus Halston Heritage Dress from Bloomingdale’s Halston Heritage Dress from Zappo’s

11. Influence
Halston was one of the first designers to license himself (to
JC Penny) which allowed him to reach women of different
incomes. Halston went against the “anti-establishment”
trends of the 60’s and tried to regain some simplicity in
dress, and trends soon followed. He also went on to design
uniforms for the Girl Scouts, Braniff Airlines, the 1976 US
Olympic team, and the New York Police Department.
Braniff Airlines Uniforms by Halston
“Halston had the strongest influence in fashion
early in the decade, when he helped bury the wild,
anti-establishment look of the 60's, with its gypsy
colors, fringed leathers and tie-dyed fabrics. He
introduced the more sober clothes that women
were ready for.”
—Lisa Belkin The New York Times

12. Did you know?
Halston’s perfume, Halston, became the second
best-selling perfume of all time when it
debuted.

13. Historical Importance
He was also a huge fixture in the 70’s disco scene,
being close friends with Andy Warhol and
frequenting Studio 54. Studio 54 was the it place to
be in NYC in the 70’s and he provided clothing for
celebrities and patrons that reflected that scene.
Halston and Andy Warhol
70’s Vintage Halston Disco Dress 70’s Vintage Halston Disco Dress

14. Sources
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/halston/
http://www.biography.com/people/halston-20672697
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/halston-set-for-relaunch-5618783
http://www.halstonmovie.com/
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1993.351ab
http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/articles/pages/1762/Halston-Roy-Halston-Frowick.html