Who Is Halston? Everything to Know About the Iconic Fashion Designer

Roy Halston Frowick, known worldwide as simply Halston, was one of the most influential American designers of the 20th century. He helped define ‘70s style with his elegant yet sexy dresses that were staples during the disco era, especially among the group of diverse models who followed him seemingly everywhere, dubbed the “Halstonettes.”

Halston was known just as much for his lavish lifestyle as he was for his designs. The designer and his gang of models and celebrity friends were fixtures on the New York City party scene of the ‘70s and ‘80s, especially at the famous Studio 54. He also regularly hosted parties at his Upper East Side town house with many of his famous friends, including Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol, Truman Capote and Elsa Peretti.

His party- going inspired some of his most popular designs, including the halter dress, which became a go-to look for many women of that era, including friends like Bianca Jagger, Marlene Dietrich, Lauren Bacall and many others. In his heyday, Halston described his design approach as “editing the mood of what’s happening” and modestly described his success as “a designer is only as good as the people he dresses.”

Reflecting on his career a year before his death in 1990, Halston said his work was “an experiment” that was “revolutionary in its day.”

“I made the change from very structured clothes to a more casual look, and fashionable women picked up on it,” he told WWD. “Whether it was cashmere, jersey or chiffon, it was about a total look. Clothes should be practical, glamorous, functional and spare. But mine weren’t always simple. Some of the simplest looks were actually the most complicated.” ►

The fashion designer who defined 1970s style is the focus of the Netflix limited series “Halston” from producer

Ryan Murphy.

Roy Halston with sketches of his Halston’s Originals collection. Norton Simon acquired Halston Ltd. and Halston Originals in 1973.

Halston with models Alva Chinn and Chris Royer in eveningwear from his 1978 resort collection at Halston’s Olympic Towers in New York.

The designer poses with model Karen Bjornson in a look from his made to order fall 1982 eveningwear advance collection. Halston at his New York atelier with model Karen Bjornson, 1971. Halston at his Olympic Towers office with model Susan Hess in a look from his spring 1983 collection.