Halston had come to compete with the greatest members of his profession – and to win. Of this, there could be no doubt, as the American fashion designer and his entourage entered the Palace of Versailles in 1973 for the high-profile “battle” with the icons of French fashion design – Hubert de Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, and Pierre Cardin. Halston found himself at the zenith of his career, tailoring the fashions of American women, everything from haute couture to glamorous ready-to-wear clothing, and now he craved international fame. While the “French” relied on classical opulence, Halston sent his girlfriend Liza Minnelli to the runway. Hip, as yet unknown models – a novelty at the time – showed off his modern creations. The standing ovations received were his victory over his competition – and so it seemed that long-term stardom would logically follow.

Broken and Alone

Halston had come to compete with the greatest members of his profession – and to win. Of this, there could be no doubt, as the American fashion designer and his entourage entered the Palace of Versailles in 1973 for the high-profile “battle” with the icons of French fashion design – Hubert de Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Emanuel Ungaro, and Pierre Cardin. Halston found himself at the zenith of his career, tailoring the fashions of American women, everything from haute couture to glamorous ready-to-wear clothing, and now he craved international fame. While the “French” relied on classical opulence, Halston sent his girlfriend Liza Minnelli to the runway. Hip, as yet unknown models – a novelty at the time – showed off his modern creations. The standing ovations received were his victory over his competition – and so it seemed that long-term stardom would logically follow.