American luxury brand Halston

Whitney Sudler-Smith, the director of Ultrasuede, once remarked, "Halston was the first superstar designer in the United States. He had a unique vision on how to make Americans look more stylish and sophisticated." Born into a middle-class family in Iowa, Halston rose to become one of the most influential designers of his time, shaping the fashion landscape for socialites and celebrities alike. Since its founding in 1976, the Halston brand quickly became a household name. He designed stunning gowns for Hollywood stars and brought a fresh, modern aesthetic to American fashion. His work not only captured the attention of the elite but also made him a celebrity in his own right. During the 1970s, Halston became synonymous with the glamorous Studio 54 era, where he was as much of a star as the movie icons he dressed. In 1990, Halston passed away due to complications from AIDS. A year later, the FIT Museum honored his legacy with an exhibition titled "Halston: Absolute Modernism." In 2010, a documentary exploring his life and career was released, bringing renewed attention to his contributions to fashion. Whitney Sudler-Smith, a New York-based filmmaker, described himself as "having heard the story of Halston," and through his film, he aimed to tell the full journey of this iconic American designer. According to Sudler-Smith, Halston embodied the spirit of 1970s New York. London-based designer Marios Schwab has been involved with Halston since the fall 2010 collection. Rather than simply replicating past designs, Schwab has focused on capturing the essence of the brand. In the spring of 2011, he incorporated Halston’s three-dimensional cutting techniques to reinterpret the brand's signature style. In January 2011, Sarah Jessica Parker, known for her role in *Sex and the City*, was appointed president of Halston Heritage, the brand’s second-tier label. Her involvement was seen as a strategic move to bring fresh energy and visibility to the company. Although Halston is no longer with us, his impact on the fashion world remains profound. As a pioneer in the fashion consumer market, he introduced a new level of simplicity and elegance that resonated with both the public and the elite. His designs were deceptively simple in appearance but featured intricate construction and innovative cutting techniques. These elements helped shape the high-end fashion industry in the U.S. and continue to inspire designers today. (View Tide Network)