Ot was around 1973 that Halston really embraced sequins and started to showcase them regularly in his collections as his clients asked for more evening pieces from him. The sequin technique he used during this time period differed from later collections. In these earlier pieces the sequins were laid onto the silk underneath completely flat and were placed side by side to each other. This makes the fabric extremely fluid and flexible while giving it a glossy, liquid finish. I have included a reference photo of Liza Minelli wearing a panted version of this suit that year
The glossy black sequins on this suit have been hand placed and sewn onto a silk chiffon base. The technique used to place the sequins onto the fabric captures the light as much as possible so that it really has a high gloss feel. His sequin pieces are incredibly well done and despite their lightness in weight, there is still a solid underlying structure to them. This suit is cut to follow every curve. The skirt has a banded waist and a simple cut that flares out slightly as it nears the hem. The jacket is cut to follow the body and plunges low at the front. It corses over itself and hooks. There is also an inner elastic waist stay that wraps around you and hooks to hold it perfectly place. Excellent condition.
Both pieces are fully lined in black silk. The skirt closes with a zipper and flat hook & eye at the waist band. The jacket hooks to close with a combination of hook and eye. There is an inner elastic waist stay inside the jacket that hooks to close. Minor sequin loss around the hook to close the waist
Jacket
Sleeves: 14.5"
Shoulders: 23"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from waist to hem
Skirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 22" from waist to hem
Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED
Item# S473
Reference Photo: Liza Minnelli in Halston by David Bailey, The Sunday Times Magazine, July 1973.
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.