Halston, Red evening gown, silk jersey, c. 1976. © Chicago History Museum

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Roy Halston Frowick came to Chicago to attend the School of the Art Institute. He opened a millinery studio in the early 1950s and later moved to New York to launch his dressmaking career. Halston soon became known for his classical designs in silk jersey and Ultrasuede.

This gown is one of more than 60 couture pieces featured in the exhibition Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures from the Chicago History Museum.