In 1951 a 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a Coty award and the Neiman Marcus award. By 1958 he was producing clothing that could range in price from $200 to $3000, an astronomical price for ready-to-wear for that time period. His ready-to-wear line was made close to couture standards and with a level of craftsmanship that was on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used many couture techniques in his work. Grace Kelly was an early fan. He was truly one of the great American designers and his work is held in all of the major museums around the world. He is one of my personal favourites. This dress is absolutely gorgeous and has been in my archives for some time. It is just so striking. 

This dress dates to the late 1970s or early 1980s. It is absolutely gorgeous and as good as it looks in the photos, it is even better in person. The quality of the silk jersey fabric is remarkable and it glides effortlessly over the body and falls like a dream. The jersey is light and fine and this allows it to move and flow as you walk and move. The dress is suspended from a single strap that curves over one shoulder. At the front the jersey rises in a sharp peak to meet that strap at the top of the shoulder. It angle down low across to the other side and then wraps around to the back. The back is set on a softer angle to leave your upper back bare. This bare expanse of skin is broken only by that skinny silk strap that angles across you. The tiny strap against the bare expanse of skin is stunning. The entire top of the bodice, back and front, has been intricately pleated with rounded, fluted box pleats. These are one of the hardest pleats to execute and on this dress they're executed to perfection. A hand set tacked partial seam runs just under the bust and follows the angle above. From under that they open and flow into the silk of the skirt. The skirt falls to the floor in a beautiful column of silk. On either side of the waist there is a attached wide silk ribbon in a deep olive colour. This ribbon is attached through the seam on either side and then runs around the inside of the back. You tie it at the front and it brings the waist in and adds shape. At the back the silk falls in a loose column over the interior ribbon all the way down to the hem. The effect this has once on and when you move is fantastic. It is fabulous on the body. Excellent condition.

The bodice is lined and it has some light interior structure. The rest of the dress is unlined. It closes with a side zipper. Hand work throughout. The loose through the body should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Bust: covers to 16" flat across from side to side with no true side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam at the back where the ribbon creates a set size. The front is open and loose
Hips: open
Length: 59" from top of shoulder to hem with 2.5" turned under

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# DD4264

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.