Ultrasuede - In Search of Halston

2010, 89 minutes, USA


A friend of mine lent me a copy of this fashion documentary as she highly recommended it. I was a bit apprehensive about watching it as I had never heard of the designer and thought it was going to be terrible. I was pleasently surprised.

Halston was an American designer who changed the nature of American fashion and became the first US designer to make it on the international fashion scene. His style was minimalist, recognisable and worn by every top celebrity name, including Elizabeth Taylor and Jackie O.

The documentary explored his life through interviews with close friends, his contemporary designers and relevant people of that time. This involved dragging out Liza Minnelli and similar celebrity icons. It recalls the famous Studio 54 lifestyle, including the disco music and fashion. It recounts his attempt to become part of the mainstream and reflects on the horrific impact of AIDs on gay society in the 1980s which lead to his death.

As a documentary, I found the interviewer quite annoying with his need to change his hair style for every interview and his look of surprise at every part of the story. I would have thought someone who was involved in the 1970s, as he claimed to have been, would be partially aware of Halston's life. But do not let you put off by this, Halston's life was fascinating.

3/5 - Great subject matter but poor style