This Iconic Designer Is Long Overdue a Netflix Series
Halston, a series about the life of legendary designer Roy Halston Frowick, is set to premiere on Netflix on 14 May and will no doubt be one to add to the binge list.
Image: @halston
The limited series stars Ewan McGregor as the title character and depicts the rise of the Halston empire and its ultimate demise.
The series is directed by Daniel Minahan of True Blood and Game of Thrones fame and produced by Emmy Award Winner Ryan Murphy—the man behind Nip/Tuck, Glee and American Horror Story.
Netflix released a collection of Warhol-esque polaroid snaps of the cast, including Bill Pullman as David Mahoney, Rory Culkin as Joel Schumacher, Krysta Rodriguez as Liza Minnelli, Rebecca Dayan as Elsa Peretti and Gian Franco Rodriguez as Halston’s lover, Victor Hugo.
To get you primed and ready for the series, we took a small look into the life of the enigmatic designer.
Halston: A Brief History
Roy Halston Frowick—known simply as Halston—began his career as a milliner, opening up shop in Chicago in 1957 before moving to New York and becoming head milliner at Bergdorf Goodman in the early '60s.
In 1966, the designer expanded his personal brand to include clothing, using "what became his signature materials of jersey, cashmere, and Ultrasuede to reinvent the jumpsuit, the shirtdress, and the classic caftan; leaving an indelible mark on fashion."
Halston quickly became synonymous with Studio 54 and disco-era style, with a legion of celebrity clients including Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Margaux Hemingway, Lauren Bacall and Liza Minnelli—one of Halston’s close friends. Halston became a multi-million-dollar brand, expanding into fragrance, menswear, handbags, lingerie, luggage and bedding.
But in 1983 Halston signed a reported billion-dollar deal with JC Penney, which tarnished the brand and kicked off his rather rapid downfall. By 1984 Halston had lost control of his business and was banned from designing for Halston Enterprises.
The designer later passed away in 1990 after his battle with AIDS. Though the designer had a somewhat tumultuous career, there is no doubt that his “ground-breaking designs continue to influence today’s fashion industry and define iconic American style.”
Celebrities Wearing Halston’s Iconic Designs
Below are just a few examples of Halston’s famous celebrity clients. Wearing his creations, the style they portrayed helped define an era.
Jackie Kennedy
Image: @mrsjohnfkennedy
Halston quickly rose to fame after designing the blue pillbox hat worn by Jacqueline Kennedy at JFK’s inauguration in 1961. Not only was this a defining moment for the stylish first lady, but a significant step forward in Halston’s burgeoning career.
Lauren Hutton
Image: @halston
At the 1975 Oscars, model and actress Lauren Hutton arrived wearing this dreamy rainbow gown—the epitome of disco chic—with a waist-length mink slung over her shoulders.
Anjelica Huston
Huston was part of Halston’s troupe of models, aptly called "The Halsonettes." A runway regular, Huston is pictured in a dramatic yet simple cape and jumpsuit from Halston’s 1972 resort collection.
Farah Fawcett
Farah Fawcett, a former Charlie’s Angel, was another '70s icon and Studio 54 regular. In this snap taken by Helmut Newton, Fawcett strikes a pose in an emerald green jumpsuit designed by Halston.
Bianca Jagger
Image: @thestonesandco
Bianca Jagger, a close friend of Halston, was frequently snapped in his designs. She wore this Halston red halter neck sequin dress, complete with a matching jacket and beret, to the 1974 Met Gala.
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