halston

Important 1975 Halston Couture Deep Burgundy Front Wrap & Tie Silk Jersey Plunge Dress

This dress has the distinct provenance of being a version of the dress that Lauren Hutton wore for Vogue in 1975. I have included that photo of her for reference. That same photo also makes an appearance in the 'Halston' Book by Phaidon. Photos of two of the versions of the dress walking the runway show that season also appear in two of my Halston books. It is fabulous to have found this very versatile deep burgundy dress. This is classic Halston from his main label couture line. It is one of the most instantly recognizable looks that he ever created because of the Lauren Hutton connection. It is an incredible example of his work from this time period. 

This is an amazing couture Halston dress and a very rare and special find. It is entirely cut on the bias and utilizes his signature minimal seaming. Halston defined how woman dressed in the 1970s and these jersey dresses that he did were tremendously flattering to the body. It is also insanely sexy while still being extremely comfortable to wear. The fabric is a beautiful deep red burgundy silk jersey that moves and drapes beautifully. This one is especially interesting because unlike its later counterparts it is actually more like two dresses that have been layered over each other and sewn along the top edge. This gives the dress an inner lining and helps to soften out any bumps underneath the top layer which makes it very flattering to wear. The dress is made to be one long tube with two long ties that extend out from the base of the front plunge. The ties are on the top portion of the two layers. These extend out from the base of the neckline and you can simply loop them over each other as I have done. You could also wrap and tie it at the back and I have shown that option as well. I can bet that you could come up with more ways too. On either side of the plunging neckline the fabric extends into a triangle halter shape and curves around the neck where it hooks into place. This leave the entire back completely bare and exposed. The front ties make it incredible versatile and really it is like buying several dresses in one. You have the versatility to wear it with the ties wrapped around you for more shape through the waist or you can let the ties fall down the back so the the dress simply skims over the body instead of hugging your curves. The skirt flares out at it reaches the floor and it has a ton of movement when you move. It is spectacular. This is a rare example of Halston at his very best and it is easy to see why his work is the subject of so many books and retrospective shows at museums worldwide. I would not be surprised to see someone wearing Halston for the upcoming Met Gala themed exhibit on American fashion. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Constructed from two bias cut layers of silk jersey with the ties extending out from the bottom of the plunging neckline of the top layer. The dress slips on to wear with no closures. It can be wrapped and tied several ways as shown. Hand finished. It is all bias cut which should allow for a bit of range of sizing. I see a small mark on the inside lining of the bodice. At some point it looks like there has been a repair down to the seam that is under the tie. I took a photo of that for you and you can see that after the label shot. It is staple and well done so its been left as found. The fabric has some stretch and I have put the comfortable range of measurements laying flat. You could probably get a little more if needed

Bust: The front halter should accomadate a variety of cup sizes. The room under and around the back is 17" flat across maximum with no further stretch. Since there is no opening you have to be able to get your hips or shoulders through that as well 
Waist: 12-14"
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: approx 60" from shoulder to hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-SML

Item#  DD3700

Reference Photos: (1-2) Lauren Hutton in Silk Jersey Halston Dress, Vogue, September 1975. Photo by Francesco Scavullo. (As shown in the book 'Halston' by Phaidon).  /  (3) Carla Araque, Fall 1975 Halston Collection. Photo Peter Simins. From the book 'Halston' by Phaidon.  /  (4) Halston matte jersey draped and tied empire halter dress, May 1975, from the book 'Halston: An American Legend' by Elaine Gross and Fred Rottman.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

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Please review all measurements carefully. More often than not, vintage garments do not fit any size category exactly. If in doubt, measure a garment of your own that fits and is a similar cut and compare it's measurements to the listed measurements below.