Halston Spring 2009 – Fashion meets Art

We’ve all been eagerly awaiting the Halston collection after news broke of the departure of former Creative Director Marco Zanini. With rumors of internal strife and an unfinished collection, the Halston design team proved itself worthy of the iconic name yesterday at the Museum of Modern Art. Instead of the usual runway show we’ve come to expect at Bryant park and other locations, Halston chose to showcase its latest collection in a presentation at a space set up to mirror the original Paul Rudolph designed Halston townhouse.

Models lounged on pale gray furniture as editors and retail buyers strolled through the multi-level rooms sipping champagne and chatting with the models and each other. I loved how accessible the show was. We were able to ask the models to stand, to turn, to pose, do handstands if necessary so that we could see the dresses (mostly evening wear) from every which angle. 

We also got to feel the fabric, which is something you can not do at a runway show.  This is such a civilized way to view the collection, which was full of fluid silk wrap dresses, softly draped jersey jumpsuits (a silhouette we saw at almost every show, like it or not– the early ’80s are back in full force!) and long flowing silk chiffon dresses. It was all shown in bold colors with chic little clutches that I wanted to take home with me! I really think had I asked politely, the models would have handed them over, they were that accommodating (actually some looked like they were napping but when I asked them to stand, they did so docilely). There were many fashion editors in attendance (we ran into fellow Angeleno Booth Moore– Queen Bee and Fashion Editor of the Los Angeles Times) and of course Tamara Mellon and Harvey Weinstein– notably absent, however, was Rachel Zoe.

The simple and sleek red lizard clutch with hammered clasp is a must have from the Spring 2009 collection.

This oversized and totally fabulous blue crocodile Halston clutch had Kelly and I at hello. It is from the Fall 2008 collection which I had not seen before, you can order Halston here.

With its clean lines of glass and steel, the Museum of Modern Art is the architectural embodiment of the Halston minimalist aesthetic and the perfect setting to showcase the Spring collection. The choice of venue also pays tribute to Halston, the first designer to embrace modern art and artists in both his work and his life.