Halston: An American Original

by Elaine Gross, Fred Rottman

When I think of my beloved friend, the five words I think of are these: elegant, fashionable, generous, supportive, decent. I thank you, Halston.
-- Liza Minnelli

No American designer since Claire McCardell has had such an impact on redefining fashion as Halston. His designs have experienced a tremendous revival and are as popular today as they were when he was alive. This is the first extensive look at Halston and his contributions to the fashion world, starting with his days as a milliner; through the explosion of his clothing lines and licensing deals, to the sale of his name and trademark and his theatrical designs for Liza Minnelli and the Martha Graham Dance Company.

This comprehensive survey of Halston's work is based on exclusive interviews with the people who knew and worked with Halston throughout his turbulent career. They include such celebrity Halston fans as Liza Minnelli, Katherine Graham, and Angelica Huston as well as industry insiders such as Marc Bohan, Stan Herman, Valerie Steele, and contemporary designers who claim Halston as an inspiration for their designs. Joe Eula and Kenneth Paul Block contribute their original sketches, as do manyy well-known fashion photographers.

With more than two hundred photographs "Halston: An American Original" is the quintessential volume for all fans of Halston and lovers of fashion.

Genres: Fashion

236 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jane Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've never seen Halston's Flying Saucer skirt, then you're in fashion exile. The man who took bias to another planet (Studio 54) pushed American style to the top with his Versailles show in 1973. The story of that American triumph featuring Liza Minnelli against the French and Italian design houses is a book highlight, and there's his feud with Elsa Peretti. Of course, the racehorse models draped in Halston chiffons and ultrasuedes are delicious.