Although Roy Halston’s eponymous label was created more than 50 years ago, his timeless designs continue to permeate both high-end and high-street fashion. From the classic halter-neck to one-shoulder gowns and shirt dresses, Halston’s legacy lives on in collections of easy-to-wear, minimalist pieces.
In 2011, the industry veteran Ben Halka became chairman of the archival brand Halston Heritage and appointed Marie Mazelis as chief creative officer. The label’s first regional store opened in Kuwait in August last year and on February 14, Halston’s branch at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates will be ready for business.
In store will be a pre-spring 2014 collection inspired by the gutsy American novelist and respected journalist, Martha Gellhorn. Think slim ankle trousers, below the knee skirts and structured blouses – blending a clean silhouette with a 1940s aesthetic. As for fabrics, they’re among Halston’s favourites of washed silk, jacquard, supple knits and Ultrasuede in shades of camel, grey and navy accented with lilac and lime.
Halston Heritage’s spring 2014 collection imagines a young, fun Jerry Hall in New York. The architectural designs mirror that of the preseason line but in bolder form, with eyelet and crochet stitching injecting a handcrafted element.
Wardrobe staples apart, it’s the dresses that capture one’s imagination with these new ranges. Waterfall ruffles appear on sleeves, skirts and evening gowns to striking effect. Waistband crosses and twist-knot details also provide focal points and flattering lines on asymmetric pieces.
Other notable standouts are the more casual full-length gowns, where American sports apparel meets elegant daywear. From a pared-down, long-sleeved chalk dress to a cobalt blue halter-neck, the jersey material guarantees flow of movement and wearability for all.
No Halston Heritage collection would be authentic without a nod to the 1970s and the era of Studio 54, which Halston and his clothes became synonymous with. Destined to fly out the door as soon as they arrive in Dubai are the stunning, one-shoulder dresses with dipped hems. Look out for evergreen pieces in charcoal, and cream with gold hardware. Better still, dare to wear the same creation in a vibrant magenta splash-print on pleated georgette.
Halston once said: “You are only as good as the people you dress,” referring to his clients such as Bianca Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie Kennedy. Today, you can join the ranks of his leading ladies and buy into his fashion empire from about Dh1,100.
• Visit www.halston.com
rduane@thenational.ae
key pieces
• Camel stretched leather leggings
• Oversized bracelet clutch
• Tulip skirts
• Cut-out cocktail dresses
• Soft-tie, two-tone jackets
Halston originals
• Jumpsuit
• Tube dress
• T-shirt dress
• Deep-V dress
• Double fur-coat
• Jackie Kennedy’s pillbox hat
Halston facts
• Halston was the first American designer to create a retail boutique bearing his name.
• Halston’s muses were nicknamed the Halstonettes.
• Orchids were Halston’s favourite flower. He had an entire wall of them in his town house.
• Halston created one of the best-selling fragrances in history, Elsa Peretti designed the iconic bottle.
• The actress Amy Adams wears original and recent pieces by Halston in American Hustle
