YSL and Halston Go Head-to-Head in New FIT Show

Given that this past season’s fashion shows were still heavily in thrall to the ’70s, it’s unsurprising that two designers who defined the era are getting a joint retrospective at the Museum at FIT. Halston’s disco-ready looks and YSL’s sophisticated, Regine’s-worthy ensembles are the subject of a new exhibit titled “Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the ’70s.” Curated by Patricia Mears, the museum’s deputy director, and Emma McClendon, its assistant curator, the show includes 80 classic pieces like YSL’s le smoking and safari looks and Halston’s Ultrasuede dress, along with 20 accessories, including the jewelry Elsa Peretti designed for Halston and a hat from Saint Laurent’s Ballets Russes collection in 1976. While the two might seem to have little in common other than a penchant for nightlife and for dressing iconic women, the exhibit highlights their design similarities, with groupings like twin takes on pajamas, cape dresses, and printed gowns. Click through the slideshow to preview the exhibit, which runs through April 18.