1971 Halston Couture Royal Blue Liquid Silk Bias Cut Caftan Maxi Dress
About
This amazing blue silk Halston dress 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. A similar dress in cut was photoed for Vogue in 1974 and that reference photo is included here.
This dress is entirely cut on the bias with that minimal seaming signature of his best work. The color is a beautiful royal blue that is flattering on most skin tones. It is feather light and you are barely conscious of wearing anything once it is on. The cut through the body is extremely loose and easy, running in one long bias cut sheath to the floor. It is very long and I love the slits that run up each side of the dress. The bias cut gives the dress the slightest of shape as it drapes around your body. The neckline is cut into a V for some skin to show. The neckline, the sleeve edges and those slits on the skirt are all 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. Each sleeve is soft and full, the dress laid out flat is a T-shape and the sleeves when laid out are blocked out. Once on these fall in soft and flattering folds. I am pleased to have found a runway reference photo from the show that same year and also a photo of a similar version that was worn by Lauren Hutton. Excellent condition
The dress is constructed from one single layer of a liquid bias cut silk. It is entirely bias cut and just slips over the head to wear. Hand rolled and finished edges. The easy cut will allow it to fit a full range of sizes.
Sleeves: 18" from dropped shoulder seam
Slightly dropped shoulders: 18"
Bust: to 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of bodice to dropped waist
Slits: 20" from hem up
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG
Reference Photos: (1) Model Naomi Sims for Halston Runway Show, 68th St Salon, December 7, 1971. Photo: James Hamilton. / (2) Karen Graham, Halston Silk Caftan, Vogue, November 1971. Photo: Irving Penn. / (3-4) Cherie.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.
Details
- Designer
- Brand
- Period1970-1979
- ConditionExcellent
- Condition DetailsExpand description for full notes and measurements
- WearWear consistent with age and use.
- Bust21 in. (53.34 cm)
- Waist21 in. (53.34 cm)
- Hip23 in. (58.42 cm)
- Shoulder to Hem60 in. (152.4 cm)
- Seller LocationRockwood, CA
- Seller Reference NumberItem# DD3271
- Reference NumberLU1287589022
Buyer Protection Guaranteed
Our Promise To You: If you're not happy with the way an item arrived, we'll work with you and the seller to reach an optimal resolution. Read more
Shipping, Returns & Payment
- Shipping$75Standardto anywhere in the world, arrives in 6 to 11 days.Delivered by a parcel delivery service such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL.Shipping methods are determined by item size, type, fragility and specific characteristics.Shipping costs are calculated based on carrier rates, delivery distance and packing complexity.
- Return Policy
This item cannot be returned.
View details
- Online Payment Methods1stdibs accepts the following payment methods
- Item InvoiceGenerate an invoice that you can customize and print.
About the Seller
5 / 5
Vetted
Recognized
1stdibs seller since 2010
Located in Rockwood, CA
More From This Seller
c.1974 Halston Bias Cut Red Silk Chiffon Ruffle...
Halston, Halston
1970s Casual Dresses
This wonderful red silk chiffon Halston dress is a beautiful example of his work during this time period. He was a master at combining function and ease but without sacrificing glamo...
Spring 1977 Halston Abstract Print Blue Silk Wr...
Halston, Halston
1970s Casual Dresses
The Resort and Spring 1977 collections were some of the few that Halston worked some prints into the collections. He normally focused on a solid color palette and I love seeing this ...
Rare 1972 Hermes 'Cliquetis' by Julia Abadi Pri...
Hermès, Hermès
1970s Maxi Dress
This is an extremely rare silk jersey, full length Hermes dress that dates to 1972. The print is by Julai Abadi and is an elaborate version her famous 'Cliquetis' design that has sin...
c.1974 Thea Porter Couture Documented 'Wave' Pr...
Thea Porter, Thea Porter
1970s Maxi Dresses
In 2015 I lent and photoed over a dozen of my archived Thea Porter Pieces from my archives and shop to the Fashion and Textile Museum in London. Curator and Fashion Historian, Laura ...
You May Also Like
1978 Halston Couture Teal Blue Draped Silk Sati...
Halston, Halston
1970s Aesthetic Evening Dresses
Gorgeous teal-blue Halston Couture belted wrap gown dating back to his 1978 collection. Throughout most of the seventies he epitomized the glamour, as well as the decadence of the er...
Halston Vintage Ultrasuede Coral Peach Cap Slee...
Halston, Halston
1970s Informal Dresses
Halston Vintage Ultrasuede Coral Peach Cap Sleeve Dress, 1970s
Estimated Size: UK 14/ US 10/ EU 42. Please check measurements to ensure fit.
Bust - 38” / 96cm
Waist - Stretches fr...
Halston 1970s Gray Wool Dress with Pockets size...
Halston, Halston
1970s Aesthetic Day Dresses
Halston 1970s thick gray wool dress with front pockets is a size 6/8. Dress is designed to be oversized, not form fitting.
Dress is lined and made in the USA.
Measurements are:
41" ...
1970s Halston Olive Green Liquid Silk Vintage 7...
Halston, Halston
1970s Maxi Dress
Effortlessly chic late 70s HALSTON olive green liquid silk maxi shirt dress! Features a tailored bodice with a forgiving flirty skirt Buttons up the front, and drapes the body beauti...
Stunning $10k Vintage Halston Black 3/4 Sleeves...
Halston, Halston
Late 20th Century Evening Gowns
Spectacular deadstock vintage HALSTON couture black 3/4 sleeve silk lace crochet plunging back $10,000 dress! Features beautiful metallic silk lace crochet over a silk chiffon. Incre...
Vintage Halston 1970s Optical Illusion Black + ...
Halston, Halston
1970s Cocktail Dresses
Rare 1970s HALSTON black and khaki optical illusion trapeze dress! Khaki top portion looks as if a bolero jacket is being worn over a black strapless dress. Flattering trapeze style ...
1970s Halston Canary Yellow + White Chevron Str...
Halston
1970s Cocktail Dresses
Amazing vintage 1970s HALSTON canary yellow and white chevon striped silk scarf dress! Features a beautiful yellow color with flattering thin white chevron stripes throughout. Attach...
NWT Vintage Early 2000s Halston One Shoulder Bl...
Halston, Halston
1990s Cocktail Dresses
Sexy vintage, brand new with tags HALSTON, by RANDOLPH DUKE black jersey one single shoulder mini dress! There is so much detail that went into the construction of this beauty! Built...
Why Shop on 1stdibs?
Only Vetted, Professional Sellers
Buyer Protection Guaranteed
Fully Insured Global Deliveries