Documentary
United States of America
Halston is a documentary film that explores the life and career of fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick, better known simply as Halston. The film examines how Halston became the first celebrity designer in America, catapulted to fame in the 1970s for his minimalist designs and association with Studio 54, one of New York City's hottest nightclubs at the time.
The film takes viewers from Halston's humble beginnings in Iowa, where he was born and raised, to his move to Chicago, where he began his career as a milliner, before ultimately making his way to New York City and launching his eponymous fashion label. The film showcases Halston's designs, which were known for their clean lines and simple elegance, and how he revolutionized the fashion industry by bringing a new level of sophistication to American sportswear.
However, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that Halston's rise to the top wasn't without its pitfalls. The documentary delves into the designer's tumultuous personal life, including his drug use and affairs with both men and women. It also looks at how Halston's decision to sell his name and brand to corporate interests ultimately led to his downfall, as he lost creative control and was forced out of his own company.
Through interviews with those who knew and worked with Halston, as well as archival footage and photographs, the film offers a compelling portrait of a complex and fascinating figure in American fashion history.
