Book Description
When I think of my beloved friend, the five words I think of are these: elegant, fashionable, generous, supportive, decent. I thank you, Halston.
-- Liza Minnelli
No American designer since Claire McCardell has had such an impact on redefining fashion as Halston. His designs have experienced a tremendous revival and are as popular today as they were when he was alive. This is the first extensive look at Halston and his contributions to the fashion world, starting with his days as a milliner; through the explosion of his clothing lines and licensing deals, to the sale of his name and trademark and his theatrical designs for Liza Minnelli and the Martha Graham Dance Company.
This comprehensive survey of Halston's work is based on exclusive interviews with the people who knew and worked with Halston throughout his turbulent career. They include such celebrity Halston fans as Liza Minnelli, Katherine Graham, and Angelica Huston as well as industry insiders such as Marc Bohan, Stan Herman, Valerie Steele, and contemporary designers who claim Halston as an inspiration for their designs. Joe Eula and Kenneth Paul Block contribute their original sketches, as do manyy well-known fashion photographers.
With more than two hundred photographs Halston: An American Original is the quintessential volume for all fans of Halston and lovers of fashion.
About the author
Fred Rottman worked for Halston in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a workroom supervisor and a fitting and design assistant. Prior to that he was the last student of designer Charles James. He is executive vice president of the U.S. division of Picchi S.p.A., a prestigious Italian textile company.
Elaine Gross is a freelance fashion writer and former fashion director with international experience in numerous areas of the fashion industry. She consults on marketing communications and public relations via her own company, Elaine Gross International.
