Antonio LOPEZ - Saks Fifth Avenue ad for Halston hats, New York Times, 1976.

Mixed media on Bristol board.
Unsigned.
26 3/4 x 21 3/4 in. (67.9 x 55.2 cm.)

"My endless search for a hat to top off pants as well as the rest of my varied wardrobe--is over. Satin cotton stitched mushroom brim with detachable Halston signature scarf, $24.

Halston, you go to my head. I'm brimming over with enthusiasm at the thought of an exclusive chapeau designed for me by namely, you. Satin cotton stitched brim cloche with signature scarf crown, $18.

The visor lifted to new heights. It's got enough brim to shield me from the glaring sun, while surrounding me with an aura of nonchalant chic. So easy to wrap on with nary a trace of hair showing. Sleek. Satin cotton visor scarf hat, $18. The signature scarf alone, $8. Introducing Halston's first collection of hats, in beige, peach, yellow, red, navy and white. Hat Collections, Fifth Floor.

Heady, how one scarved hat can change my whole attitude... and it's from Saks Fifth Avenue."

I've always loved Antonio's fashion illustrations which, for me, defined the aesthetic of the 1970s and 1980s much in the way that John Held Jr.’s work defined the "Jazz Age". The same could be said of Patrick Nagel's work, but I find the more dynamic and organic nature of Antonio's illustration to be much more appealing. I was very happy to acquire this piece at auction recently. It's a more subdued example of Antonio's work with brushstrokes that remind me in some ways of traditional Chinese painting. Published on page 12 of the February 10, 1976, issue of the New York Times.