Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston
Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston

Movie spotlight

Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston

2011
Movie
89 min
English

A glowing, prismatic portrait of the rise and fall of America's first celebrity designer—Halston—the man who was synonymous with fashion in the 1970s, and became the emperor of NYC nightlife. Interviews with friends and witnesses (including Liza Minnelli, Diane Von Furstenberg, André Leon Talley, Anjelica Huston, Bob Colacello, and Billy Joel, among others) round out this glittering evocation of the man who defined the most beautiful and decadent era of recent memory.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Google Users81%
Director: Whitney SmithGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the glamorous and often tumultuous life of Roy Halston Frowick, the iconic American fashion designer who defined an era in the 1970s and 80s. Through archival footage and interviews with those who knew him, the film explores Halston's meteoric rise to fame, his revolutionary minimalist designs, and his eventual downfall amidst the excess of Studio 54 and personal struggles.

Critical Reception

Ultrasuede received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who largely praised its engaging look at a pivotal figure in fashion history and its ability to capture the zeitgeist of the disco era. Some critics found the documentary to be somewhat superficial in its exploration of Halston's personal demons, while others appreciated its focus on his artistic achievements and cultural impact.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stylish presentation and insightful look into the disco era.

  • Appreciated for capturing Halston's significant influence on fashion.

  • Some critics noted a lack of deeper exploration into his personal struggles.

Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed the documentary, finding it a fascinating and stylish portrait of the legendary designer and the era he defined. Many appreciated the glimpse into the world of high fashion and celebrity during the 70s and 80s.

Fun Fact

The film's title, 'Ultrasuede,' refers to the synthetic fabric that Halston famously popularized in his designs, making luxurious materials accessible and modern.

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