Hooray for Halston
The general consensus of the Ossie Clark and Halston revivals seems to be a big fat negative. Just why do these revivals for which we all had high hopes never seem to hit the mark? My theory is that Biba, Halston and Ossie Clark are about more than just crepe hotpants, disco jumpsuits and puff-sleeve gowns. Their names are synonymous with a nostalgic era, they encompass the free love, hedonistic spirit and creative energy of their age, not to mention the glamour of the celebs who wore them. (How can the likes of Nicole Richie, Peaches Geldof and Sienna Miller possibly compete with Diana Ross, Veruschka and Bianca Jagger?) While it’s a shame that the Ossie Clark and Halston shows have been poorly recieved, can anyone be surprised given the hype and sky-high expectations they elicited? At the same time, I’m secretly pleased that the press haven’t gone bananas over Halston. Why? Because I loved it. Not that I can afford it, but I totally feel like slinking around Kensal Green in those voluminous cape-dresses, cloud-coloured chiffon gowns and too-sexy suede boots. So let them keep their Balenciaga, Burberry and Dior (three revivals that have been successful. I’ll happily have Halston all to myself.
Pic: www.portfolio.com
14 February, 2008 @ 5:05 am
People are so tightly wound. They look at a new effort and immediately reject it without giving it time to develop. I’m willing to wait and see how it goes. The criticism sounds to me mostly like bitter fashionistas who were dying to say, “I told you it would never work.” I admire people who are willing to get a project going and take a chance…much more than I do people who sit on their asses and complain!
14 February, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
I admit I wanted to dismiss the newest (6th, 7th?) incarnation of Halston when I heard Tamara Mellon, Rachel Zoe and Mr. & Mrs. Weinstein were involved. But having seen the Zannini’s first efforts, I think it’s quite promising…more pared down, wearable pieces, less Studio 54 flash than I expected.
16 February, 2008 @ 6:45 am
the Halston collection was AMAZING!!!
16 February, 2008 @ 3:35 pm
Yeah, i remember reading an article about how over-hyped and underwhelming the Halston show was before I even saw it. But I agree with you, I kind of like some of the pieces. Good for you for sticking up for ’em!
And as far as buying BACK TALK in Mumbai… I dunno! It’s available on Amazon.com and .co.uk, but not sure how many bookshops you’ll actually find it in. But I hope you get a chance to read it sometime, thanks!!!
ps-what are you up to in India??!
18 February, 2008 @ 4:37 am
I’m glad someone is taking on the challenge of “Halston.”