Halston Returns

Fashion world welcomes back Halston with wide open arms and full of anticipation and high hopes.

A brand synonymously associated to America's iconic First Lady Late Jacqueline Kennedy, Halston returns to the runway at New York Fashion Week a few days ago, staging its first Fall/Winter collection after more than thirty years of closure.

Former Versace designer Marco Zanini takes the creative directorial helm while Hollywood's most sought after stylist du jour Rachel Zoe gets the creative consultant part and Jimmy Choo's Tamara Mellon was roped in as well by Hollywood bigwig Harvey Weinstein.

Looking back to the good old days, I am sure that many of the young generation fashionistas of today do not know that it was Halston who created Jackie O's famous pillbox hat that later became a legendary fashion accessory of the era.

His other famous clients back then were actresses Babe Paley, Anjelica Huston, Lauren Bacall and Elizabeth Taylor, as well as Liza Minelli and Bianca Jagger.

At the time when disco rules (think the 70's baby), no one would wanted to be seen at the infamous Studio 54 without being draped in any of the Halston creations!

Held at New York's Gagosian Gallery, the show was attended by discerning fashionistas including one of Halston's original clients, singer/actress Liza Minelli in vintage Halston pantsuit.

For Fall/Winter collection, Marco Zanini brought back Halston's signature creation such as shirtdresses, boot-cut pants, long skirts with soft swings and tent dresses in jersey, silk, and cashmere with trademark dusty yet earthy palette that is subtle and purely demure, just perfect to accompany the somber days of lifeless winter.

Setting it apart from other designers collection is how austere the collection was presented and best of all, no signs of extravagance, which are commonly associated with designs of European couturiers and designers such as heavy embroideries and glittery embellishments.

Liquid is the word and like flowing water, the dresses flows smoothly over the wearers body and it makes you feel like gliding while walking down the streets imbued with red maple leaves strewn on the ground when putting on the upcoming Fall/Winter pieces.

There are also dashes of pallid colors such as shiny pastel pink in the collection of oh-so-goddess-y dresses which I am truly positive that they will sell like hot cakes come this Fall/Winter season.

Though there's still an air of uncertainty on where to buy the new collection, I've got a good news for you, online luxe retailer Net-A-Porter.com is carrying Halston exclusively for its loyal customers who have been waiting for its arrival a long time.

Halston's Fall/Winter 2008-09 ready-to-wear collection will be available to selected retailers by the end of August to mid September and also via online at Net-a-Porter.com.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira.