Halston single-handedly transformed cashmere from a dowdy British staple to a fashion must-have. These long, slim dresses made of pure cashmere wool became a Halston staple and were designed for that chic modern woman to wear. The wearer was able to move and be superbly comfortable, never worrying about getting wrinkled or being inappropriate or uncomfortable. Every chic woman had to have one. I have included a reference photo of a lighter blue version held in The Met archives and a campaign photo form 1977 that shows a jumpsuit version in the same brilliant blue as this piece has been done. Recently, variations of his work in cashmere were featured in the Museum at FIT exhibit "Yves Saint Laurent Halston: Fashioning the 70s". In their exhibit notes they mention these cashmere pieces specifically:

"Halston’s use of historical elements to create new collections was sparing. Rather than re-interpret the designs of those who came before him, he made subtle allusions to those designers whose work he most admired. He was inspired by body-revealing activewear and the sinuous, bias-cut gowns of Madeleine Vionnet from the 1930s, while primary influences from the 1940s included the cashmere sweater sets of Mainbocher and the ingenious ties and closures employed by Claire McCardell"

The dress is full length and cut with a single shoulder and falls from there in a column of royal blue cashmere to the floor. In the book "Halston; An American Original", they talk about Halston's cashmere pieces and quote Polly Mellon as saying: "His cashmere pieces to the floor... weren't just tubes: they had armholes, were neat on top, yet very cozy and at the same time elegant". It is said that they were inspired by a close associate that was a dance instructor and were intended to give the body complete freedom.  The color is amazing - a rich blue that is even better on person then how it photoed. It is the kind of color that will flatter most skin tones. These brilliantly colored pieces are not as easy to find for Halston anymore and this dress is an amazing and rare piece of fashion history. Excellent condition.

Unlined and slips on to wear. It is made from hand-loomed 100% cashmere made in Italy. Tagged a size L but it appears to be cut small and because it is knit it has stretch and will fit a variety of sizes. I have given the comfortable range of stretch while it is lying flat in the measurements below. You could probably go a little beyond that range listed depending on how fitted you wanted it.

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item#  DD2765

Reference Photos: (1) 1977 Halston Cashmere Dress at the   /  (2) Halston with Models, Harper's Bazaar, February 1977.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.