CHICAGO – There is no better time to take in a stage play that is based in U.S. history, depicting the battle between fact and religion. The old theater chestnut – first mounted in 1955 – is “Inherit the Wind,” now at the Goodman Theatre, completing it’s short run through October 20th. For tickets and more information, click INHERIT.
Podtalk: Filmmaker Frédéric Tceng on the Legacy of ‘Halston’
CHICAGO – Before there was Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford or even Miranda Priestly, there was “Halston.” Roy Halston Frowley was known only by that single name, and wore the celebrity fashion designer crown of the 1960s and ‘70s. Filmmaker Frédéric Tceng brings the icon back to life in “Halston.”
The documentary chronicles the rise and precipitous fall of the House of Halston, as his work-hard-play-hard philosophy was eventually his undoing. But it is a fascinating story, involving mysterious origins in Des Moines, Iowa, to the top of the fashion chain in New York City. Halston began as a hat maker, and when Jackie Kennedy wore his designer chapeaus around her husband’s presidency, his legacy was assured. He built his empire from there, partnering with an American corporation who took him to new heights. But everything that rises must converge, and Halston ran afoul of the very business community that financed him. Director Tceng uses the device of a fictional narrator to tell Halston’s story, and the result is a vivid portrait of a legendary force.
The Title Icon in “Halston,” directed by Frédéric Tceng
Photo credit: The Orchard
Frédéric Tcheng is a French-born filmmaker. Focusing on documentary, he co-produced and co-edited his first major film, “Valentino: The Last Emperor” (2009), which was shortlisted for the Best Documentary Oscar. He next focused on fashion icons, and was the co-director of “Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel” (2011), about the legendary magazine editor and influencer. He made his solo directorial debut with “Dior and I” (2014), which premiered at the Tribeca film festival. “Halston” is his third feature as director.
In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, director Frédéric Tcheng talks about the legacy of Halston, and his association with pop artist Andy Warhol.
In Part Two, Tcheng reflects on Halston’s partner, Victor Hugo, and his use of a fictional narrator to tell the story.
By PATRICK McDONALD |