In the early 1950s, while attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Roy Halston Frowick (American, 1932-1990) began a business designing and making women's hats. He gained a well-known clientele designing for the Chicago elite. He later became the head milliner for high-end New York City department store Bergdorf Goodman. His fame rose when he designed the pill-box hat that Jacqueline Kennedy wore to the inauguration of her husband, President John F. Kennedy, in 1961. In the late 1960s, Halston made the transition to women's clothing, opening a boutique on Madison Avenue in New York, and started a ready-to-wear line eventually rising to international fame in the 1970s with countless licensing agreements. 

This dress was purchased from Martha, a specialty shop created by Martha Phillips, with locations in New York, Palm Beach, and Bal Harbor. The customers that frequented Martha were amongst the wealthiest and most socially prominent figures of the day.

Black knit wrap dress with halter top and v-neckline.
Label: Halston
Retail Label: Martha

Size Label: Unlabeled

 

Approximate Measurements:

Chest: 26"

Waist: 23"

Hips: 28.75"

Length (high shoulder point to hem): 45"