Halston's Muses Shine in New Biography

A fast-paced history explores the women who defined the iconic American designer's aesthetic and career.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:14pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of rich, red velvet fabric captured in dramatic studio lighting, highlighting the luxurious, glamorous texture of Halston's iconic fashion designs.The lush, tactile textures of Halston's designs embodied the designer's democratic, inclusive vision for American style.New Orleans Today

A new book by journalist Tamara Sturtz-Filby, "Power, Grit and Glamour: The Women Who Made Halston," offers a lively account of the iconic American designer Halston and the influential women in his life - from models and Hollywood stars to behind-the-scenes champions who helped shape his democratic, populist approach to fashion.

Why it matters

Halston's inclusive vision for American style, embracing women of all backgrounds, ethnicities and body types, was revolutionary at a time when French and Italian couture still reigned supreme. This book sheds light on the often-overlooked female collaborators and muses who were crucial to Halston's rise and artistic vision.

The details

Sturtz-Filby's book traces Halston's relationships with the models and celebrities he dressed, known as the "Halstonettes," including Anjelica Huston, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minnelli. It also spotlights the influential women behind the scenes, like legendary publicist Eleanor Lambert, who championed Halston's career. The book paints a vivid picture of Halston's creative process and the lively, glamorous atmosphere of his studio.

  • In the spring of 1940, several renowned writers including W.H. Auden and Carson McCullers lived together in a house in Brooklyn Heights, known as 'February House', as World War II was unfolding.
  • In that same spring, Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow traveled to Paris for the fashion shows, despite the war zone conditions, underscoring how much the city was 'loved by the Americans'.

The players

Tamara Sturtz-Filby

A journalist of more than 30 years specializing in fashion, beauty and women's lifestyle, and the author of this new book on Halston.

Halston

The iconic American fashion designer known for his democratic, inclusive approach to style that embraced women of all backgrounds.

Carmel Snow

The editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar who traveled to Paris for fashion shows during World War II, underscoring the American love for the city.

W.H. Auden

The acclaimed British poet who lived at the 'February House' in Brooklyn Heights in 1940 as World War II was unfolding.

Carson McCullers

The renowned American writer who also lived at the 'February House' in Brooklyn Heights in 1940.

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What they’re saying

“He wanted to dress everyone from the celebrity and socialite to the shopgirl behind the makeup counter in Bloomingdale's. Dark-skinned girls, Black girls, blondes, brunettes, and redheads; these were the girls of America. He was fully aware that his customers came in all ages, shapes, and sizes. 'I have no ideal woman,' Sturtz-Filby quotes Halston as saying in her book. 'We have suggestions for every figure type. After all, Americans come from every ethnic group, have every kind of figure. Most American women are under five feet four. I'd say that 90 percent of them wear bras.'”

— Halston, Fashion Designer

“Everyone in Halston's circle was treated to his generosity and loyalty.”

— Tamara Sturtz-Filby, Author

What’s next

The book's release on April 15, 2026 will likely generate renewed interest in Halston's legacy and the influential women who shaped his iconic American fashion brand.

The takeaway

This book offers a fascinating, multifaceted portrait of Halston and the diverse network of female collaborators, muses and champions who were essential to his rise as a groundbreaking American designer. It sheds light on the often-overlooked women who helped define an era of American style.