In 1981 Haslton was still in full control of his brand. He had not yet signed the international licensing agreements that would be the beginning of his downfall in 1983. At this point in the Halston history, he was at the top of his game and anyone who was anybody was wearing the Halston label. His prices were sky high and the work put into the pieces was impeccable. This jacket is spectacular. This is the matching sequin design to a dress a sold a couple of months ago and its as good ojn a jacket form as a dress.
Halston's beaded and sequin pieces were being made in India during this time period. Halston personally chose the fabrics and materials that were used for each piece of his collection and then sent them to India where they were beaded and sequinned to his specific instructions and assembled. The 1981 collection was especially intricate and the majority of the runway garments were heavily beaded and/or sequinned. This jacket is gorgeous and easy to wear. It slips on to wear and has a hook and eye at the neck. Under that it is open to the hem. The collar is high and neat and there is no padding in the shoulders. It is meant to sit soft on the body. The sleeves are long and straight cut. It is straight cut through the body as well with a slight flare as it nears the hem. All of the bead and sequin work on it is completely done by hand. Silver tube beads, silver beads and silver sequins are tightly spaced and have been hand applied onto the black silk chiffon. I love the boldness of the silver and how the entire jacket glitters and sparkles in the light from every angle. The silk chiffon under the sequins and beads has the slightest touch of transparently to it. It is very flattering on the body and easy to wear. It is pure glamour. Great overall condition with some notes to review below.
Unlined and Close is a hook and eye at the neck. The bead and sequin work is completely hand done. I do see some areas where beads are missing and some loose beads and threads here and there. With the black underneath they almost feel deliberate and I don't think would be an issue once one. Please see the photos after the label shot. Tagged a size 4
Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 30" from top of bodice to waist
Neck: 13.5" around
Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED
Item# S981
This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.