Watch Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston

Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston is a fascinating and captivating documentary film, delving into the career and persona of the legendary fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick, better known as Halston. Directed by Whitney Sudler-Smith, the film takes an in-depth look at the man behind the brand, tracing his rise to fame in the 1970s and his subsequent fall from grace in the 1980s.

The film opens with shots of Halston's iconic designs sashaying down the runway, accompanied by the sounds of disco music. It's a nod to an era when Halston and his creations were at the forefront of the fashion scene, dominating the runways and the pages of magazines. But as the film progresses, it becomes clear that there was much more to Halston than just his talent for design. He was a true innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of what was considered fashionable at the time.

The film is comprised of a series of interviews with people who knew and worked with Halston throughout his career. There's Pat Cleveland, one of Halston's star models who danced alongside him at Studio 54. There's Halston's business partner, Joel Schumacher, who went on to become a successful film director. There's also Halston's niece, Lesley Frowick, who provides some insight into the man behind the famous name.

Throughout the film, we see numerous examples of Halston's groundbreaking designs, from his famous pillbox hat worn by Jackie Kennedy to his signature ultra-suede fabric that became a sensation in the 1970s. The film takes us backstage at Halston's fashion shows, showing the chaos and excitement of putting together a runway presentation. Fashion insiders like Phillip Bloch and André Leon Talley provide commentary on Halston's work, contextualizing it within the broader history of fashion.

What's most striking about the film, however, is the way it portrays Halston himself. Through interviews and archival footage, we get a sense of his personality and his approach to life. We see him throwing lavish parties, rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger. We also see him at work, laboring over sketches and draping fabric over models. There's a sense of obsession and perfectionism in everything he does, a determination to create the perfect garment.

But the film also acknowledges the darker aspects of Halston's life. We see his descent into drug addiction and his eventual ousting from his own company. We see the toll that his demanding work schedule took on his personal relationships. It's a complex portrait of a complex man, one who was a true genius of his time but who struggled with personal demons.

Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston is a beautifully crafted film, both visually and narratively. The editing is tight and seamless, weaving together interviews and archival footage to create an engaging and informative portrait of Halston. The film is also visually stunning, with vibrant colors and stylish compositions that pay homage to Halston's own aesthetic.

Ultimately, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in fashion or the cultural landscape of the 1970s and 1980s. It's a captivating and illuminating look at one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. Whether you're a die-hard Halston fan or just someone curious about the man behind the brand, Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston is a film that you won't want to miss.

Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 34.