In 1981 Haslton was still in full control of his brand. He had not yet signed the international licensing agreements that would be the beginning of his downfall in 1983. At this point in the Halston history, he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label. His prices were sky high and the work put into the pieces was impeccable. This dress is spectacular. It only has its made in India label that his things from this time period have in them, however, this has a matching jacket that my client was not yet ready to let go of and I have seen that jacket myself and it did have its Halston label in it.
Halston's beaded and sequin pieces were being made in India during this time period. Halston personally chose the fabrics and materials that were used for each piece of his collection and then sent them to India where they were beaded and sequinned to his specific instructions and assembled. The 1981 collection was especially intricate and the majority of the runway garments were heavily beaded and/or sequinned. This dress is gorgeous but tiny. It has no side opening. Instead there is just a light elastic that runs through the waist, so it has to be big enough to go over your hips or shoulders. Once on the one shoulder hooks in place to close. All of the bead and sequin work on it is completely done by hand. Silver tube beads, seam beads and silver sequins are tightly spaced and have been hand applied onto the black silk chiffon. I love the boldness of the silver and how the entire dress glitters and sparkles in the light from every angle. The silk chiffon under the sequins and beads has the slightest touch of transparently to it. The silhouette is very simple with a single shoulder that dips low on one side. The bust then skims over you to the waist. The waist has elastic so once on its blouses a little and then the skirt is cut in pencil silhouette under that. It is very flattering on the body and easy to wear. It is pure glamour. Great overall condition with some notes to review below.
Unlined and has no closures. Elastic through the waist. It slips over the head to wear so you have to be small enough to get it on without an opening as described above. You could easily add a side zipper or snaps along the seam if needed. The bead and sequin work is completely hand done. I do see some areas where beads are missing and some loose beads and threads here and there. With the black underneath they almost feel deliberate and I don't think would be an issue once one. Please see the photos after the label shot.
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 11-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 20" from top of shoulder to waist bit will blouse up
Skirt: 25" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XXS-XS
Item# DD3908
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
