Halston, the iconic American fashion brand, is experiencing a revival under the leadership of veteran retailer Ken Downing. Known for its magic, creativity, and innovation in women’s fashion, Halston has been the subject of numerous revival attempts since the death of its legendary founder, Roy Halston Frowick, in 1990. Designers like Randolph Duke, Bradley Bayou, Kevan Hall, Marco Zanini, and Marios Schwab have all tried to recreate Halston’s unique style.
Over the years, Halston has changed hands multiple times, with various individuals and companies owning the brand. Revlon, Tropic Tex, Catterton-Simon, Neema Clothing, and Hilco Consumer Capital have all had ownership of Halston. Even former Halstonette Chris Royer played a role in preserving the brand during the Mellon-Weinstein era. Since 2015, Xcel Brands has been the majority owner of the brand, overseeing its divisions and generating more than $500 million in annual retail sales.
In 2022, Ken Downing was appointed as the chief creative officer of Halston, with the aim of revitalizing the brand. Downing’s goal is to bring back the brand’s appeal to a younger customer base while staying true to Halston’s legacy. He plans to introduce fresh and modern takes on Halston’s iconic pieces, such as tailored jackets with oversized silk flower closures and sequin pantsuits reminiscent of Tom Ford’s Gucci era.
Downing’s vision for the brand goes beyond cocktail and evening dressing, mirroring Halston’s expansion in the past. He intends to incorporate Halston’s signature fabrics, like jersey and cashmere, into his designs. The collection will include versatile pieces such as ombre caftans, two-tone cashmere dusters, and denim items produced by the JS Group. Downing’s design touches, such as knot details and chiffon cargo trench-style dusters, inject drama and boldness into the collection.
The retail prices for the Halston collection range from $345 to $1,095, with some pieces exceeding $1,600. The line is available at top luxury retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. The brand also plans to expand its international presence by participating in Paris market weeks and targeting markets in Europe and the Middle East.
Although the archival pieces may not directly influence the collection, Downing has plans for them. With over 1,200 archived pieces located in a warehouse in Amsterdam, NY, he plans to clean and repair the items and make them available for special celebrity dressing. Downing envisions celebrities like Zendaya wearing Halston on the red carpet and aims to dress opera singers, hip hop artists, and women who appreciate clothes that make them feel great.
Downing is not intimidated by Halston’s legacy. He believes in understanding the brand’s customers and immersing oneself in the world of those they dress. By infusing a fresh perspective and designing clothes for today, Downing aims to recapture the essence of Halston and breathe new life into the brand.
Useful links:
Bergdorf Goodman
Saks Fifth Avenue
