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Halston’s iconic career and party life are the subject of Netflix’s latest highly anticipated original series “Halston.”
Produced by Ryan Murphy, the show stars Ewan McGregor as the late fashion designer and follows the icon, known for his classic American sportswear designs, as he skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s and 1980s and his escapades at New York City’s famous Studio 54 nightclub.
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The show stars other influential figures from Halston’s heyday, including his close friends and collaborators Liza Minnelli and Elsa Peretti.
From how to watch the limited series and what it’s about to the backlash it’s facing, here is everything you need to know about Netflix’s “Halston.”
When does “Halston” debut?
“Halston” will be available to stream on Netflix on May 14. The show is a five-episode limited series.
Who is Halston?
Born Roy Halston Frowick, Halston was one of the most influential American fashion designers of the 20th century. His designs defined the 1970s disco era, where his elegant, yet sexy dresses — especially his iconic halter dress — were staples among many women. He was known just as much for his stylish designs as he was his party life. Halston was a fixture in New York City’s nightlife scene, spending many nights at Studio 54 and throwing his own lavish parties at his Upper East Side townhome. The allure of his brand was amplified by the gang of models he always traveled with — dubbed the “Halstonettes” — who wore head-to-toe Halston looks at all times.
Halston’s fashion empire quickly grew in the 1970s and 1980s, expanding from millinery to ready-to-wear that included apparel, accessories, fur, luggage and cosmetics. His excessive partying eventually interfered with his career, and he was ousted from his company in 1984 and was barred from designing under his own name. Halston spent the rest of his life trying to regain control of his namesake company, but was unsuccessful. He died in 1990 at the age of 57 after battling AIDS-related cancer, Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Read a full breakdown of Halston’s career and legacy here.
Who is cast in “Halston”?
In addition to Halston — who is played by Ewan McGregor — the new Netflix series is reimagining several other influential figures of the time. The show has cast Krysta Rodriguez, known best for her role in NBC’s “Smash,” as Liza Minnelli, who was one of Halston’s closest friends and often wore his designs. Another close Halston friend and collaborator, the late Tiffany & Co. jewelry designer Elsa Peretti will be played by Rebecca Dayan.
Other characters include Victor Hugo, Halston’s longtime partner, played by Gian Franco Rodriguez; Joe Eula, fashion illustrator and former Halston creative director, played by David Pittu; Eleanor Lambert, founder of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, played by Kelly Bishop and the late fashion designer Anne Klein, played by Elena McGhee, among other characters.
What is “Halston” about?
“Halston” will follow the iconic fashion designer at the height of his career as his empire was quickly growing.
“I have a vision. I’m going to change the face of American fashion,” McGregor said in the voiceover for the show’s trailer as he’s looking at the New York City skyline from his Olympic Tower headquarters.
The trailer shows Halston in his design studio creating some of his iconic looks, like his ultrasuede shirt dress and the halter dress. It also shows him interacting with his muses and close friends, like Minnelli and Peretti.
The show is said to follow Halston’s quick rise to fame as a fashion designer, and how his excessive partying interfered with his career and ultimately led to his downfall when he was fired from him company in 1984.
According to an interview with Murphy for Vogue, the show will also cover Halston’s death from AIDS-related cancer in 1990.
Has there been any backlash to the show?
While many have been eagerly awaiting the new show, Halston’s own family has denounced the upcoming series and stated that they were not consulted by Netflix or Murphy for the show.
“They approached some people from the quote-unquote inner circle but I don’t know who they are,” said Lesley Frowick, one of Halston’s six nieces, in an interview with WWD. “They did not approach us at all so this is in fact an unauthorized series about my uncle’s life and touching on fiction, I guess. Salacious things sell.”
Frowick stated her uncle’s work has been eclipsed by the sensational way his Studio 54 and partying persona has been presented in the show. She said Halston was “married to his metier” and used places like Studio 54 to promote his brand.
“You had to be 300 percent dedicated to your work and he was,” she said. “He always had a sketch pad. He was always thinking of the next collection, the next trend. Although he did not use the word ‘trend,’ because he thought that put things in a time frame. He wanted his designs to be timeless and they were. You can still wear a Halston gown today.”
When asked if she will take legal action against the series, Frowick said: “I don’t want to discuss that. I always say, ‘What would Halston do?’ And Halston would say, ‘Rise up.’”
Read more here:
13 New TV Shows and Films to Watch in May 2021
How Halston Became One of America’s Most Iconic Fashion Designers
Everything to Know About Amazon’s ‘Making the Cut’ Season Two
Who is Halston? What to Know About the Iconic Fashion Designer
Launch Gallery: A Closer Look at Netflix's 'Halston' Limited Series
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