MajorsMar 22, 2021
Elsa Peretti, a One-of-a-Kind in Jewelry Design, Dies at 80EditorsMay 19, 2021
Netflix’s ‘Halston’ Is a Hit. Now Let’s Have a Biopic on Elsa Peretti
After binging “Becoming Halston,” Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff wants to see a series that puts the jewelry designer front and center.
Netflix’s “Becoming Halston” tells the story of the life and career of fashion designer Halston (Ewan McGregor), including his friendship with jewelry designer Elsa Peretti. Rebecca Dayan plays Elsa and is seen wearing pieces of her jewelry, like the Bone cuff, throughout the series. (Photo credit: Jojo Whilden/Netflix ©2021)
I’m neither a television critic nor an expert on the life and designs of Elsa Peretti, save what I learned when writing about her passing earlier this year.
But I will say this: I had a lot of fun learning more about her, and her longtime friend Halston, by binging Netflix’s “Becoming Halston” over the weekend, and I’d love to see Elsa get a biopic of her own.
Based on the book “Simply Halston: The Untold Story” by Steve Gaines, the five-episode limited series tells the story of how a boy from Des Moines, Iowa named Roy Halston Frowick went from designing hats to redefining American fashion before he ultimately became his own undoing.
Halston was one of Elsa’s closest friends and one of the most influential creative forces in her life, introducing her to Tiffany executives in 1974.
In a video from 1990, she said of Halston: “He taught me so much, he didn’t say anything. He was a great man for taste. I learned so much [from] him, so much.”
But I will say this: I had a lot of fun learning more about her, and her longtime friend Halston, by binging Netflix’s “Becoming Halston” over the weekend, and I’d love to see Elsa get a biopic of her own.
Based on the book “Simply Halston: The Untold Story” by Steve Gaines, the five-episode limited series tells the story of how a boy from Des Moines, Iowa named Roy Halston Frowick went from designing hats to redefining American fashion before he ultimately became his own undoing.
Halston was one of Elsa’s closest friends and one of the most influential creative forces in her life, introducing her to Tiffany executives in 1974.
In a video from 1990, she said of Halston: “He taught me so much, he didn’t say anything. He was a great man for taste. I learned so much [from] him, so much.”
In the third episode of “Becoming Halston,” Elsa Peretti, played by Rebecca Dayan, finds the bottle that inspired her famous necklace at a flea market on a New York City street. (Photo credit: Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix ©2021)
Later that same episode, model Bethann Hardison, played by Megan Danielle Gerald, wears the bottle as a necklace in a fashion show. (Photo credit: Jojo Whilden/Netflix ©2021)
In the Netflix biopic, mention of Elsa’s career as a jewelry designer doesn’t come until the third episode, but her designs are everywhere.
Elsa, played by French-born actress Rebecca Dayan, mentions jewelry in the very first episode, suggesting a “nice big piece of chunky jewelry” would elevate a design Halston describes as a prom dress fit for a Martian.
The Bone cuff, which recently turned 50, can be spotted as soon as the second episode.
Longtime Halston friend Liza Minnelli, played brilliantly by Krysta Rodriguez, is wearing one when Halston asks her to perform in The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show, a real event that took place in November 1973.
Later in that same episode, Elsa wears a Bone cuff on the way to Paris and in the fashion show.
We also see the designer’s equestrian belt on Liza when Halston’s squad—which includes Elsa, Liza, Halstonette and later actress Pat Ast and illustrator Joe Eula—rolls into Paris and storms the palace.
Also seen in the series: Elsa’s snake belt, bottle pendant (the inspiration for Halston’s perfume bottle, which Elsa also designed), Scorpion necklace and heart dish, which is used to store cocaine, a character of its own by the series’ end.
We also see the designer’s equestrian belt on Liza when Halston’s squad—which includes Elsa, Liza, Halstonette and later actress Pat Ast and illustrator Joe Eula—rolls into Paris and storms the palace.
Also seen in the series: Elsa’s snake belt, bottle pendant (the inspiration for Halston’s perfume bottle, which Elsa also designed), Scorpion necklace and heart dish, which is used to store cocaine, a character of its own by the series’ end.
Liza Minnelli (Krysta Rodriguez), seen in front next to Halston, is wearing’s Elsa Peretti’s equestrian belt when the squad arrives in Paris for The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show. (Photo credit: Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix ©2021)
Elsa (Rebecca Dayan) wears a bone cuff while on the runway for Halston in the Versailles fashion show. (Photo credit: Atsushi Nishijima/Netflix ©2021)
As mentioned, I’m not a TV critic by any stretch, but I thought Dayan did a wonderful job portraying Elsa Peretti—she was vulnerable and loving but also a badass when it was called for, like when she defended herself and her talent during their argument in the Hamptons in episode four.
Dayan also depicts the jewelry designer as being more grounded, sensible, and even-keeled than Halston, which is true to what Elsa was in real life, Marion Fasel wrote in The Adventurine.
Elsa eventually fled the ‘70s New York party scene to spend more time in the village outside Barcelona, Spain where she lived for years, a move that probably saved her life.
She died this past March at the age of 80, outliving all of her friends by decades, including Halston, who died in 1990.
I want to see, and know, more about her life, not just during her wild partying days at Studio 54 but also her later years in Spain.
“Becoming Halston” is available on Netflix now. And the show on Elsa Peretti, starring Dayan, is … coming soon?
More on Editors
The Latest
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
