The Best Netflix Miniseries on Fashion: Halston
Background
“Halston” is a 2021 gripping biographical drama miniseries based on the life of designer Halston, starring Ewan McGregor. Adapted from the 1991 book “Simply Halston” by Steven Gaines, the series was ordered by Netflix in September 2019 and premiered on May 14, 2021.
“Halston” offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the glamorous yet tumultuous life of the legendary fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick. With captivating performances, impeccable period details, and a focus on both the creative genius and personal struggles, the series delves into the world of high fashion during the 1970s and 1980s.
A beautifully directed limited series with bold cinematography encompasses the “Halston” brand along with the elegance, vigor, and attention to detail brought by the lead designer Halston himself. Masterfully played by Ewan Mcgregor, the role looks extremely organic as Ewan comfortably encompasses the flamboyance and stubbornness of the famed designer. The only thing disappointing about the show is its length - with only 5 episodes - each being approximately 45 minutes in length.
A Stylish Portrait of a Fashion Icon
The show is incredibly diverse and captivating as it covers the full life and story of Halston. Roy Halston Frowick, known mononymously as Halston, was an American fashion designer who rose to international fame in the 1970s. His minimalist, clean designs, often made of cashmere or ultra-suede, were a new phenomenon in the mid-1970s discotheques and redefined American fashion.
Ewan McGregor's portrayal of Halston is a tour de force, capturing the designer's charisma, ambition, and vulnerability. The series chronicles Halston's meteoric rise to fame, from his beginnings in the hat industry to becoming a global fashion phenomenon. McGregor's transformation into the enigmatic designer is truly remarkable, and his portrayal draws viewers into the intoxicating world of fashion, luxury, and excess.
A Vanity Fair article by Dana Feldman explains how Ewan McGregor has never been better and completely transformed into Halston in a flawless performance that was meant for the actor best known for the star-turning role of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise.
The production design and costumes of “Halston” are a feast for the eyes, impeccably capturing the essence of the era and the designer's signature aesthetic. From the iconic Halston dresses to the lavish penthouses and decadent parties, the series transports viewers to a time when fashion was a statement and hedonism ruled. The attention to historical accuracy immerses audiences in the world of high fashion and provides a visually sumptuous backdrop to Halston's journey.
A Glimpse Behind the Glitz
While "Halston" dazzles with its stunning recreations of the Studio 54 era and the opulent fashion scene, it also peels back the layers to reveal the challenges and personal struggles Halston faced. The series doesn't shy away from exploring his battles with addiction, the toll that success took on his relationships, and his clashes with corporate interests. This nuanced approach humanizes the larger-than-life figure, shedding light on the sacrifices and compromises he made to maintain his position as a fashion icon.
The set design and cinematography is beautiful with vivid colors contrasted against NYC skylines and venues from the 1970’s and 1980’s. The show perfectly portrays the druggy, fever dream, aura of Studio 54-era New York and the fabulous fashion that followed. The series also does a very good job contrasting the creative world of fashion along with the corporate world and how the two work hand in hand to build a national brand.
Conclusion
“Halston” deftly explores the often turbulent intersection of artistic creativity and commercial pressures. As the designer's vision clashes with the demands of his corporate backers, the series delves into the compromises and artistic struggles that arise. Halston's insistence on maintaining his creative integrity, even in the face of financial setbacks, serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
“Halston” is a gripping and visually captivating series that offers more than just a glamorous portrayal of the fashion world. It delves into the complexities of an artistic genius, highlighting the triumphs and tribulations of a man who reshaped the industry. With its compelling performances, attention to historical detail, and exploration of the price of fame, "Halston" offers an alluring and thought-provoking journey through the life of a fashion legend.
