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?
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
SurveysMay 01, 2024
Consumer Confidence Falls in AprilConcerns about rising prices, politics, and global conflicts continue to dampen consumer outlook.
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
