Evening ensemble
Beginning his career as a milliner, Halston later crossed over to ready-to-wear, promoting minimal design. His loyal clientele of the rich and famous chose to display his creations in trendy locals such as New York's Studio 54. In 1971, he began incorporating Ultrasuede into his work, which was an instant success, becoming one of his signature fabrics. Halston's quick rise to fame ended abruptly when he agreed to design an inexpensive line for J.C. Penney. While his career ended in the eighties, his innovations continue to be seen in fashion today, and have been resurrected with the Halston brand of the twenty-first century.
This two-piece chiffon evening ensemble is characteristic of Halston's work. His choice of a solid color is consistent with his simplistic design theory. The handkerchief bodice is minimal in structure, with an integral bra as the only support and the long, gossamer skirt speaks of the period.
This two-piece chiffon evening ensemble is characteristic of Halston's work. His choice of a solid color is consistent with his simplistic design theory. The handkerchief bodice is minimal in structure, with an integral bra as the only support and the long, gossamer skirt speaks of the period.
Artwork Details
- Title: Evening ensemble
- Designer: Halston (American, Des Moines, Iowa 1932–1990 San Francisco, California)
- Date: ca. 1972
- Culture: American
- Medium: silk
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Elizabeth G. Weymouth, 1987
- Object Number: 2009.300.569a–c
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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