Description
This is an original vintage 1970's Halston ultrasuede dress or coat in a beautiful orange salmon color. You can wear this as a lightweight coat or as a coat style dress.
This piece comes with its original belt, which is attached at the waist and has functional pockets, a notched collar and buttons down the front. The sleeves are a raglan style fit and because of that, the shoulders are an estimated measurement.
The Halston label and Martha Palm Beach New York Miami label are both found. We estimate this would best fit a modern size US size 6 or Small. Please refer to the measurements for an accurate fit. If you are interested in learning a little more about ultrasuede, read the info below the measurements!
CONDITION: Very Good - minor rub and pin prick at shoulders.
BUST: 36"
WAIST: 36"
HIPS: 42"
SLEEVE LENGTH: 29" from collar
SHOULDERS: 17" approx
LENGTH FROM NAPE OF NECK: 41"
What is Ultrasuede? Ultrasuede, made of 60 percent polyester and 40 percent polyurethane, was developed by Toray Industries of Japan, and is pressed or packed, somewhat like felt is, not woven. It was attractive because of its wearability, packability and easy care - Unlike genuine suede, it can be machine washed.
The first American showing of Ultrasuede was by designer Vera Maxwell, who saw the fabric in Paris but when she asked to buy it, she was turned down and told that it was available only for the French couturiers. She eventually was able to purchase thousands of dollars worth of the fabric directly from the Japanese, and she used it in about half of her designs.
Halston made Ultrasuede popular when he started using it in 1972. He said that he first saw Ultrasuede at a dinner party in a shirt worn by the Japanese designer Issey Miyake. Mr. Halston misunderstood the Japanese designer to say it was water repellent, so he did his first Ultrasuede design for a trenchcoat in his couture collection. * Later he discovered it was water absorbent, not water repellent, but his response was classic Halston; “It doesn't rain on the rich."
*Ultra Demand for Versatile Ultrasuede - By Dee Wedemeyer
Feb. 26, 1977 New York Times.
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
All of our pieces have been professionally cleaned and arrive ready to wear.
Measuring & Fit Guide
We offer a large selection of designers and manufacturers that span the 20th and early 21st century. Sizing varies greatly, so we have outlined our measuring and size estimating process.
The best way to know if a vintage item will fit you is to take a garment that fits you well, similar to the one you are interested in purchasing, and measure it the way we measure ours.
View our video guide to taking accurate body measurements:
We lay all garments flat and measure as follows*:
| DRESSES | PANTS | |
|
BUST - under arm to under arm across the front and then double that measurement. |
Measure the WAISTBAND, widest part of the HIPS, widest part of the THIGH on one leg and width of the CUFF, then double those measurements |
|
|
WAIST - find the smallest part of the garment if there isn't an obvious seam for the waist and measure across and then double that measurement. |
LENGTH - Measure from the top of the waistband to the bottom of the cuff along the side seam. | |
| HIPS - Find the largest part of the hip area and measure flat, then double that measurement. | RISE - Measure from the crotch to the top of the waistband. | |
| LENGTH - from the nape of the neck or the top of the shoulders, depending on the style of garment. We will measure to the waist when applicable, so that you can determine if it will fit your torso, and then a waist down measurement. | INSEAM - Measure from the crotch to the bottom of the cuff along the inside seam. | |
|
SLEEVES - measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve. When we think that the arm opening is particularly small, we will provide that measurement as well.** |
*Fabrics with stretch will have some give, we will try to mention the range of measurements that will fit comfortably.
**With dolman sleeves, the size is an estimation based on the waist as the body seamlessly joins the sleeve. 
Feel free to email us with specific questions about specific measurements that we may not have included that you need to know in order to feel confident about your purchase. If you have a particularly long torso, short legs, long arms, etc.. we can help you determine whether or not a garment will work for your body.
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Measurements, not size. View our Measuring Guide
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Description
This is an original vintage 1970's Halston ultrasuede dress or coat in a beautiful orange salmon color. You can wear this as a lightweight coat or as a coat style dress.
This piece comes with its original belt, which is attached at the waist and has functional pockets, a notched collar and buttons down the front. The sleeves are a raglan style fit and because of that, the shoulders are an estimated measurement.
The Halston label and Martha Palm Beach New York Miami label are both found. We estimate this would best fit a modern size US size 6 or Small. Please refer to the measurements for an accurate fit. If you are interested in learning a little more about ultrasuede, read the info below the measurements!
CONDITION: Very Good - minor rub and pin prick at shoulders.
BUST: 36"
WAIST: 36"
HIPS: 42"
SLEEVE LENGTH: 29" from collar
SHOULDERS: 17" approx
LENGTH FROM NAPE OF NECK: 41"
What is Ultrasuede? Ultrasuede, made of 60 percent polyester and 40 percent polyurethane, was developed by Toray Industries of Japan, and is pressed or packed, somewhat like felt is, not woven. It was attractive because of its wearability, packability and easy care - Unlike genuine suede, it can be machine washed.
The first American showing of Ultrasuede was by designer Vera Maxwell, who saw the fabric in Paris but when she asked to buy it, she was turned down and told that it was available only for the French couturiers. She eventually was able to purchase thousands of dollars worth of the fabric directly from the Japanese, and she used it in about half of her designs.
Halston made Ultrasuede popular when he started using it in 1972. He said that he first saw Ultrasuede at a dinner party in a shirt worn by the Japanese designer Issey Miyake. Mr. Halston misunderstood the Japanese designer to say it was water repellent, so he did his first Ultrasuede design for a trenchcoat in his couture collection. * Later he discovered it was water absorbent, not water repellent, but his response was classic Halston; “It doesn't rain on the rich."
*Ultra Demand for Versatile Ultrasuede - By Dee Wedemeyer
Feb. 26, 1977 New York Times.
In order to best determine fit, measure yourself or a garment of a similar style that fits you well. Compare those measurements to those on the item description.
Complete the look
Vintage Jewelry Makes the Perfect Finishing Touch
Complete the look
Vintage belts tie it all together