Vintage Halston Red Print Silk One Shoulder Draped Dress, 1970s

An American fashion superstar, Halston began his career as a milliner, designing the famous pillbox hat First Lady Jaqueline Kennedy wore to her husband John F. Kennedy’s Presidential Inauguration. Known for his minimalist style, Halston collaborated with jewelry designer Paloma Picasso, was close friends with Liza Minelli, and had a devoted following of models and celebrities including Pat Cleveland, Farrah Fawcett, and Angelica Houston.

His meteoric rise began in earnest in the 1970’s, when the all-American aesthetic emerged as the new direction in fashion. “…he was a minimalist, he made women look beautiful…” said Liza Minelli of Halston’s designs, similar to Halston’s own description of his efforts to change American fashion by making it “…understandable, stylish, relaxed, and good-looking for a lot of people.”

He introduced the concept of the “status dress” with the success of his Ultrasuede shirtdress, bridging the gap between haute couture and ready-to-wear in a unique way that revolutionized the industry.

Halston was first and foremost a master of his craft, as is evidenced by this iconic 1970’s dress. Done in red silk with a pattern of white and scarlet streaks, this deceptively simple dress is expertly cut and draped. Evoking the ethereal elegance of a Grecian gown, the dress suspends from the left shoulder and falls to a full maxi length with a layered asymmetric hem that mirrors the one shoulder neckline.

Size estimate: Small

Bust: 34 inches

Waist: 30 inches

Hips: 36 inches

Length:

Draped sheer silk overlays spiral around the asymmetrically cut opaque sheath dress from the shoulder, offering varying intensities of color while revealing the low-cut diagonal line of the bodice at the back and left side of the dress. Sensual and refined, this Halston dress modernizes the one shoulder gown by subtracting elements and is the perfect choice for a wedding or special occasion.

Versions of this dress are held in permanent collections of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a solid red version of this dress was worn by Kate Moss on the red carpet. Closing at the shoulder with one hook, this signature Halston gown is in excellent condition and has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High-quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.