This is a stunning Halston. I recently had a white version in the shop and was excited to find a black one so soon. We also found some extra provenance on this dress. The original of it was a runway piece and worn by Pat Cleveland. A version was then issued for the Halston IV line resulting in this beautiful piece. It is interesting that this dress was produced for both the main line and this line with each version done in a different fabric and constructions techniques. But visually they are so similar they could be twins. We've included the runway shots of the both black and white versions here so that you can see how gorgeous this is on the body. You can see that a belt was added to the dress to style it for the show and I love when you can see how the designer intended it to be styled. It is a killer dress. I own the twin of this dress and it's one of my favourites. 

The dress has tiny pleat work throughout. Like most of his best work its design is simple yet impactful. His genius lies in the ability to use the least possible amount of seams yet he still managed to create the most stunning lines. The dress wraps around and is secured at the waist with snaps and flat hooks to keep it in place. The waist has elastic running through it that gives it this incredible ease once it is on the body. The front plunges into a low V and there are  two snaps along the front to hold it more securely in place. I did not use them for these photos but if you wanted a plunge that was a little less extreme you could close one or both of the  snaps. The  bodice is loose and easy and then comes in at the waist. You could add a belt if you wanted more shape. The skirt wraps below that and falls to the floor. The pleating gives it movement so that it moves wonderfully when you walk and the wrap allows a touch of leg to show when you move or sit. The sleeves are the star of the show on this dress. They are cut on a curve and come in at the elastic wrist. Once on they pouf and balloon fantastically above that. On my dress form they hang low but you can see in the runways shots how they billow around the arm and wrist once they are actually on. It is an incredible dress and like many of his pieces it truly will only come to life once there is a body in it. It is remarkable and a true piece of fashion history. Excellent condition

Unlined and wraps around you to close. It hooks and snaps in places around the waist. The waist is elastic so there is give there. You could also get less or more room by moving some of the hooks inside if needed. The range given below is the comfortable range where they are now. Each cuff has elastic. I have put XS-MED and with some moving of the inner hooks / snaps it would probably work on a larger frame as well

Sleeves: approx 26"
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open on the sides and will accommodate at least 15-19" flat " flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 11-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Total length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4585

Reference Photos: (1-3) Pat Cleveland on the Spring 1978 Halston Runway.  /  (4-5) Halston Spring 1978 Ready to Wear Advance.

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