The House of Halston

I live in an older neighborhood (you're shocked, I know). Houses around here are mainly bungalows built at the turn of and just after the turn of the century.....mine in particular in 1916. Some homes are in good repair, some in serious need of repair. But one house in particular has a bit more of a modern tale to tell.

This is the house of Halston, or so I'm told. The first home of Roy Halston Frowick sits just around the corner from my house here in Des Moines, Iowa...an unlikely start indeed for a man bound for glamour, fame and fortune.

Halston with muse Bianca Jagger & Liza Minelli

JANUARY MAGAZINE does a nice write up and review of the Halston biography (that I clearly must have), "HALSTON", by Steven Bluttal. A fascinating yet tragic character who met an unjust and decidedly non-glamorous end, Halston's work continues to withstand the test of time. Glamorous yet sleek and simple, as impressive on the runway as it was off.

I rarely come across Halston pieces (despite being in the city he began his life in!)....but have recently acquired this beautiful 60s Halston hat. Sculpted felt with curving graceful lines, inspired by the 20s but with the modern edge only Halston could add.

PS, speaking of hats! Just sent a box of vintage hats out to Vogue in NY again for potential use in another photo shoot! Wish me luck....

~Ang

d.d. ryan estate

just ooooooooooooh. how had i not heard of this D.D. RYAN?. well, i do live in iowa and wasn't even born when she was at the height of her fashion and society fame, so i have that to blame.....but still, i should know who she was! i'm sad for the not knowing, and sad for not BEING this fabulous....

D.D. was known for her eclectic designer tastes ranging from Zandra Rhodes to Ossie Clark, spent time working for Halston and was responsible for the children's book series "Eloise" as she encouraged a cabaret singer friend of hers who created the character to write the book which quickly became a best seller. and she was cool. and stylish. and fabulous. and GROGAN & COMPANY now has the pleasure of auctioning off some of this fascinating woman's estate, and her collections are truly as fascinating as you'd expect. some of the HUGE selection....

A grouping of fashion photographs featuring this one, called WOMAN WATER SKIING, by Toni Frissell.....

Only 2 of the crazy amounts of vintage Emilio Pucci pieces....

Some of D.D.'s own creations (there are more!)....

Miriam Haskell beaded necklace and earrings (i covet)....

An assortment of bakelite i also covet but will never be able to afford....

there's so SO much to love! i need a million dollars please. email me for my paypal info if you'd like to enable my buying addiction!

~Ang