For the Resort 1980 show Halston debuted the ruffle. In the book "Halston, An American Original" It is noted that " this was somewhat of a departure for him, but one that offered him an engineering challenge". Others were doing the ruffle and Halston was "determined to find a way to do it better". By 1980 Ruffles were shown in their full glory and WWD even nicknamed Halston "Mr. Ruffle". Ruffles were everywhere between that collection and 1982 and silk organza was his fabric of choce for both its delicacy and lightness but ability to hold and create the shapes he desired. In the photo attached he is seen with a bevy of models, one wearing what appears to be the twin of this gown and you can see how wonderfully it sits when on a real body.

This gown is stunning. Made of a deeply hued peach organza. The construction is amazing - the ruffles are overpalled and they wind and curve around the body in a spiral. Not pieced together but each a long independent curved cut panel of fabric attached on a curve to the base silk (I have lifted a ruffle and taken a photo for you so that you can see the curved seams). Technically this is very difficult and uses an extreme amount of fabric. It would be cost prohibitive to try to replicate this today. The angle of the neckline follows the swoop of the curves giving it the feel of one of his signature one shoulder pieces but in this case each shoulder is held up by tiny silk straps. Once on the body it falls into place and creates the astonishing cascade that somehow managed to combine volume and length at the same time. It is a work of art and a testament to the genius of Halston. Has original tags and has never been worn. Excellent condition

The innermost lining is a fine vivid coral tissue silk. The ruffles are attached to the dress overlaying that layer and both the ruffles and that layer are made of a peach silk organza. Bias cut and slips over the head to wear with no closures. All original tags. Hand finished. The Bias cut allows for a wide variety of sizes as it drapes and falls into place once on

Bust: 16-20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD2432

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