Roy Halston Frowick (April 23, 1932 – March 26, 1990), known professionally as Halston, was an influential American fashion designer who spent part of his youth in Evansville, Indiana. He became one of the most famous American designers of the 1970s.

Evansville and early life

Halston was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and developed an interest in sewing and clothing design at an early age. His family later moved to Evansville, where he attended Benjamin Bosse High School, graduating in 1950. He later attended Indiana University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Fashion career

Halston initially became successful as a milliner and gained national attention after designing the pillbox hat worn by Jacqueline Kennedy at President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration. He later moved into women’s clothing and became one of the defining American fashion designers of the 1970s.

His minimalist designs and use of materials such as ultrasuede became closely associated with the era, and his celebrity clients included Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor, Bianca Jagger and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Halston died in 1990 at age 57. His influence on American fashion continued after his death, and the Halston name remains one of the most recognizable American fashion brands.