This is a gorgeous original Halston dress that is a beautiful example of his earlier work. Halston was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamour. He did this with the very minimum of seaming. His pieces that were bias cut, like this one, seem to almost be shapeless and not very exciting when you see them on the hanger. But, once you slip them on, they drape and settle into place the way they were intended and the transformation is remarkable. There is true genius on their simple cuts and they are addictive. I just recently sold a caftan version from this same collection which was documented, hence the ability to date this one as well.

There are actually four pieces to this set. There is an inner under-dress that is pretty enough to be worn on its own with a slip underneath; a dress that slips and hooks into place over that; and then it comes with both a long matching fabric sash and a long beaded fabric tie belt.  The fabric that the dress is made out of is cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his best work. The color is a bright, vivid pink that  in person has a touch more depth and vibrancy to it. Worked within the silk a series of little dots dots, circles and dashes done in yellow, purple, blue and green. The combination of colors is lovely and it is nice to see a brighter, more colorful piece of his work. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The inner dress is cut like a simple slip with nude silk straps. The dress that layers of that simply hooks at the waist and the neck as well if you choose yo wear it more closed, and it is held in place by either the sash or tie belt, or you can layer both as I have done. The cut through the body of the over-dress is loose and easy, and I love the huge balloon sleeves. It comes with a long sash that is original to the dress and you can wrap this around the waist, the neck or even wear it as a turban or head wrap. There is also a long tie belt that is covered in multi covered beads and this as well can play several roles if you wished. All of the edges are hand rolled and stitched. The work to get this as perfect as it is would have been astounding - there is no trickier fabric to hand stitch then this. Once on, everything falls in soft and flattering folds. The silk is semi-transparent which allows the layers of the fabric to play off of each other. It is amazing in person. Excellent condition

Each piece of the dress is constructed from a single layer of a silk crepe chiffon that is semi-sheer. The inner dress slips over the head and has a series pf snaps on one side. The outer dress slips on with elastic at the waist and a hook there and another hook at the neck. Hand rolled and finished edges. Comes with a sash and a tie belt that has bead detailing.

Inner Dress
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Outer Dress
Sleeves: approx 25"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: approx 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

The sash is 86" x 15" and the tie belt is 90" long from end to end

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD3455

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