Style Icon: Mr Roy Halston Frowick
Words: Charlie Thomas
Despite being a fashion designer during the 1970s, Roy Halston Frowick miraculously managed to avoid the ghastly extravagance that defined much of the decade. Instead, he favoured clean tailoring in classic cuts, standing out among the peacocks and opulent dandies.
Halston, as he was known, was highly successful in his field, from both a commercial and critical perspective. He designed the now-iconic pillbox hat often worn by Jackie Kennedy and his eponymous label well over $100 million by the time 1980 rolled around. He was once quoted as saying, ‘you’re only as good as the people you dress’, and we can surmise that he was pretty darn good judging by his regular clientele of Bianca Jagger, Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor.
His personal style and the way he wore his clothes drew him legions of fans too, and it’s easy to see why. Here are three looks you can emulate today.
OUTFIT 1: OFFICE WEAR
It’s hard to see the true colour of Halston’s suit here, but the strong lapels and wide shoulders give him a dominant look that’s backed up by the view from his office. Expertly tailored with just the right dash of formality, Halston’s suit game was legendary, but it was the way he wore them which set him apart. Here, his knitted tie injects a bit of continental flair into the look, yet it remains boardroom-ready thanks to the crisp, high-collared white shirt. It’s a deadly combination.
Burberry London Navy Suit, £1,295 from Mr Porter // Drake’s Silk Knitted Tie, £105 from Drake’s
OUTFIT 2: CREATIVE SUITING
Swapping out the shirt for a thin, preferably merino-wool, rollneck is a surefire way to stand out from the crowd. Halston favoured a lighter jacket worn over a dark rollneck, which again references his penchant for riviera style. Next time dress-down Friday rolls around you should do the same, pairing a softly-tailored cotton jacket with a navy polo neck.
Uniqlo Cotton Jacket, £49.90 from Uniqlo // Marks & Spencer Roll Neck Jumper, £20 from M&S
OUTFIT 3: BLACK TIE
Being that he was somewhat of a media darling, and that his circle of friends included some of the biggest names of the day, Halston attended his fair share of black tie gigs. Of course, he was well prepared, often favouring a shawl-collar number which, in this case, was paired with an over-sized satin bow tie. For your get-up, stick with a regular-sized bow tie but work on the details. Polished oxfords such as these from Crockett & Jones are a versatile addition, and the timepiece is important too. Halston was rather good friends with Andy Warhol, and fittingly, Piaget have just unveiled this black tie piece inspired by a watch worn by the artist himself. We’re sure Halston would approve.
Duchamp London Mohair Shawl Jacket, £395 from Duchamp London // Lanvin Knitted Silk Bow Tie, £80 from Matches Fashion // Crockett & Jones Beaumont, £POA from C&J // Piaget Black Tie Vintage Inspiration, £POA from Piaget
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
