Looking Back at Halston's Life in Photos

Known as the first superstar fashion designer, Halston capitalized on the changing styles and consumer culture in the second half of the 20th century, revolutionizing fashion while also building a business empire. Born into humble Midwest beginnings, Roy Halston Frowick would become one of the most widely recognized names in fashion in the '70s and '80s. His designs were worn by seemingly everyone: athletes at the 1976 Olympics, movie stars, and First Ladies­–he even designed Girl Scouts' uniforms.

The iconic American designer had a glamorous social life. A regular at Studio 54 and friends with A-listers like Liza Minnelli, Andy Warhol, and Bianca Jagger, Halston was an early influencer. But his story was also full of drama, with exorbitant spending habits, a penchant for drug use, and a history of explosive love affairs. A new Netflix miniseries out now on the streaming platform, chronicles the rise and eventual fall of Halston, played by Ewan McGregor. The cast will also feature Krysta Rodriguez as Liza Minnelli, Rebecca Dayan as Elsa Peretti, and Gian Franco Rodriguez as Victor Hugo. Here, take a look at real photos of Halston’s incredible life.

Halston got his start as a milliner in Chicago before moving to New York and working at Bergdorf Goodman. He went on to style many high-profile celebrities, including Jackie Kennedy and her famous pillbox hat. He’s pictured here offering selections to Italian actress Virna Lisi.

Halston was close friends with famed jewelry designer Elsa Peretti. He’s pictured here with Peretti (left).

Halston’s designs became hugely popular among celebrities, and his shows were can’t-miss, who’s-who events. Angelica Huston is shown here modeling a Halston original at one of his shows.

The designer was known for being close with his models, or “his girls.” Model Pat Cleveland was a mainstay in Halston’s shows. The two are shown here at a party in his studio.

Halston is pictured here backstage at a charity showing with models Naomi Sims (left) and Karen Bjorensen.

Singer Liza Minnelli was one one of Halston’s closest friends, and she was known to wear his designs exclusively. The pair are shown here in Manhattan.

Roy Halston Frowick was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1932. He moved to New York at age 26 in 1958.

The designer’s social circle was famously star-studded. He’s pictured here at an event with Elizabeth Taylor.

Halston socialized with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. He's pictured here with actress and model Margaux Hemingway.

Halston photographed at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Halston worked with Carol Channing to create a wardrobe for her revival of Hello, Dolly.

Here, the fashion designer and Liza Minnelli are shown at the Martha Graham Dance Company Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Opera House in Lincoln Center.

Halston and Minnelli.

Farrah Fawcett wore a metallic gold Halston dress to the 50th Annual Academy Awards. The Charlie’s Angels actress is shown here with Italian actor Marcello Mastroianni.

Halston was a regular at New York’s iconic Studio 54. He's pictured here at a New Year’s Eve party with Bianca Jagger, Jack Haley, Jr., Liza Minnelli, and Andy Warhol.

At the same party, Halston socialized with Betty Ford, Elizabeth Taylor, and Liza Minnelli.

Here, Halston is photographed candidly in a chic suit and black turtleneck.

This portrait of the iconic American fashion designer was taken in his office in Olympic Tower.

Halston attended Regine’s New York Mardi Gras party with friend and model Pat Cleveland, who won first prize for her ensemble.

Halston’s career boomed after launching his first perfume in 1975. He’s photographed here with his “Halstonettes” at a fragrance launch at Saks 5th Ave.

Here, Halston is pictured at an event with famed actress Marisa Berenson.

Once again, Halston and Liza Minnelli.

Halston and iconic dancer Martha Graham are pictured here at an event. The pair collaborated on costumes for Graham's dance productions.

Minnelli and Halston at the Martin Beck Theatre for the opening night of Broadway’s Little Foxes.

Halston and Bianca Jagger attend an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute.

This portrait of Halston was taken at his New York townhouse. He retired from working just a few years later. By 1988, he had stopped working completely and soon disappeared from the New York social scene after being diagnosed with HIV. “He left, and he completely hid away and didn’t want anybody to see him,” Marisa Berenson said in the Amazon Prime documentary, Halston. Halston’s niece, Lesley Frowick, explained why the designer decided to trade his metropolitan life for a more secluded one on the West Coast–and why he kept the truth from many of his friends and peers. “At the end, he said, ‘I just want to fade away.’” Frowick said in the documentary.

The fashion designer is shown here in one of his last portraits before going into seclusion. Halston's brother, Robert Frowick, told the Associated Press that the designer spent his final months visiting with his siblings and driving the California coast in his beloved Rolls Royce. He died in San Francisco on March 26, 1990 of AIDS-related cancer. He was 57.