Editors

Netflix’s ‘Halston’ Is a Hit. Now Let’s Have a Biopic on Elsa Peretti

EditorsMay 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.

20210519_Halston header.jpg
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.” 


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.

 Related stories will be right here … 
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.  


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? 

The Latest

Pope Francis
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ Ring

Before Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.

1998 Cosmograph Daytona, Ref.16516 Rolex
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s Sale

The one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.

Jeweler Constance Polamalu at Bloomstone, a store that specializes in lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.

antique_Vegas_2024_by_headshot_stories_9454.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Surveillance footage Tiffany & Co. Seattle robbery
CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies

The police are trying to identify the man suspected of robbing two Tiffany & Co. locations in the area.

Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jeff Corey, new chairperson of the board for the Jewelers Board of Trade
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board

The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.

Foundrae Ingot Pendant
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical Metalsmiths

The donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.

Supplier Spotlight -Recorded-Webinar.png
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest Addition

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

Eiseman Jewels ribbon cutting ceremony
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and Better

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

Diamond Council of America
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course Updates

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

Malyia McNaughton and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education Fund

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Harwell Godfrey Snake Giza Ring, Foundrae Mind, Body Soul Story Necklace, Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Titan By Pharrell Williams Bracelet
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past Decade

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.

Lightbox’s Reminiscence Poet earrings in 14-karat white gold with lab-grown diamonds
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says

The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

2025 CASE Award Submission Graphic
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Lugano Diamonds store in Greenwich, Connecticut
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal Investigation

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Coeur Percé Scapular Necklace and Love Baby Locket
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s Day

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Gemfields emeralds
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in Zambia

The miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.

Stock image of a man’s hands in handcuffs
CrimeMay 08, 2025
Former NYC Jewelry Store Employee Arrested in 2017 Choking Death of Boss

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

instappraise-1.png
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal Format

Sponsored by Instappraise

Brilliant Earth three stone Sabine diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

Exterior of Margot McKinney Beverly Hills Location
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New Boutique

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales Manager

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

Pandora gold and silver charm bracelet
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for Tariffs

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Headshot of Smart Age Solutions CEO Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and Beyond

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest Auction

Its commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy