Elizabeth Taylor’s Unforgettable Red Bicentennial Halston Oscars Dress

Next year will be the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 97th year of the Academy Awards. As we approach this historic milestone, as well as this year’s Oscars ceremony on March 2nd, we’re reminded of the time that Elizabeth Taylor honored both the country and the ceremony when she closed the 48th Oscars in 1976 by leading the crowd in a heartwarming rendition of "America the Beautiful."

For the occasion, Elizabeth wore a stunning ruby red Halston chiffon dress, custom-designed just for her. Sewn from delicate chiffon, the gown ended up needing a reinforcement added in the middle to hold the weight of Elizabeth’s Boucheron butterfly brooch she wore as an accessory. In addition to her friendship with Halston, Elizabeth loved any look that evoked a night at Studio 54, so it was no surprise she embraced his flowing and feminine designs. At the time of the ceremony, Elizabeth was 44 years old, and her short-lived second marriage to Richard Burton had come to an end. Focused on herself and exuding confidence, Elizabeth worked with Halston to create the couture gown in a bold, bright hue.⁠ The designer himself escorted her to the ceremony.

After being introduced as a two-time Academy Award winner herself, having won in the category of Best Actress in 1961 for BUtterfield 8 and 1967 for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Elizabeth shared a few inspirational words to introduce the song in honor of the 200th anniversary of the United States. "Films have helped bring a sense of the American land, the American purpose, and the American dream to people everywhere," she said. "Let us recall that original purpose, and reaffirm that necessary dream."

In a patriotic turn of events, Elizabeth met her next husband, Senator John Warner, just a matter of months after the Oscars — the pair were set up on a fateful date, when the politician escorted her to a dinner in Washington, D.C., hosted by Queen Elizabeth at the British Embassy. Elizabeth and John married that same year.

Elizabeth knew that fashion had power that went beyond the items of clothing themselves  — she used each of her outfits as not only a means of self-expression, but of celebration and empowerment of herself and others. This bold and beautiful Halston dress is no exception, and speaks to her immeasurable impact on film, fashion, and later, public policy.