An intimate look at the Halstonettes-the women who inspired legendary fashion designer Halston. One of the greatest fashion designers of all time, Halston defined and dominated the 1970s. He was America's first fashion superstar, a groundbreaking craftsman and a pioneering businessman who also exuded glamour, wit and charm. More important than the million-dollar success and the movie-star status though was the powerhouse of incredible women that he surrounded himself with. This is the untold story of those women. Power, Grit and Glamour: The Women Behind Halston highlights the entourage of women who not only worked with, accompanied, and supported Halston at every turn, but were fiercely loyal and loved him deeply. Beginning with Eleanor Lambert, the 'Godmother of Fashion,' Tamara Sturtz-Filby charts the rise of Halston from every socialite's hatmaker to creating his own named label, introducing readers to the women who guided him every step of the way to fame and stardom. He had loyal friendships with Liza Minnelli and Elizabeth Taylor. His close confidantes included “Halstonettes” Elsa Peretti and Chris Royer, as well as models and actresses including Bianca Jagger, Marisa Berenson and Pat Ast. He had invaluable relationships with Vogue editors Diana Vreeland and Grace Mirabella, and a long-term collaboration with America's doyenne of dance, Martha Graham. These are just a few of the women Sturtz-Filby profiles. Featuring exclusive interviews and quotes from those who worked with and knew Halston, as well as fifteen color photographs that visually transport the reader into Halston's world, this is the story of fashion's formidable women, without whom there would be no 'Halston'. “What emerged first? Halston or the ladies? The ladies or Halston? It was an equal fusion of the most profound tastemakers: Eleanor, Diana, Elsa, Jackie, Ethel, Liza, Elizabeth, Babe, Betsy, Lily, Lee, Karen, Chris, Pat, Shirley, Carla, Nancy, Alva, Naomi, and Donyale, released through the mastery of the extraordinary man in a black turtleneck. Readers will be seduced by this epic period in society.” ―Ralph Rucci “A brilliantly written and sympathetic take on Halston that brings the 1970s thrillingly to life. Founded on meticulous research, this is a romp of a read.” ―Roger Tredre, course leader, MA fashion communication, Central Saint Martins “Of all great fashion designers Halston probably had the closest friendships with the clever and stylish women who wore his clothes. He shared their lives in exceptional ways and dressed them for the triumphant resurgence of the women's movement. He gave them a uniform, both rational and sensual, in which to claim their career-focused lives. While placing the designer in his paradigm-shifting historical role, Tamara Sturtz-Filby's insightful and hugely readable book takes the original approach of examining his profound impact on their lives and careers and theirs on his. It is a long A-list of many of the most culturally significant women of the last century -- the artists, actresses, writers and journalists, stylists and magazine editors, socialites, taste-makers and First Ladies. The book reveals Halston's great generosity of soul and makes clear how all these relationships were based on huge respect, deep affection and a shared ambition to achieve perfection.” ―Brenda Polen, author and fashion historian Tamara Sturtz-Filby has been a UK-based journalist for over 30 years specialising in fashion, beauty and women's lifestyle. She worked for Marie Claire and Harper's Bazaar for a total of twelve years, after which she freelanced for Vogue, Elle, Red, Grazia, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, The Evening Standard, ES Magazine and The Sunday Times . Tamara has written two books, Behind The Gloss (2023) and The Story of the Diamond (2023) and is currently finishing her third, The Little Book of Tiffany & Co (2025).