James Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer that was formally acknowledged as being a true Haute Couturier, he certainly produced clothing that had all of the hallmarks that define couture. This attention to detail and cut gave him the status as being known as one of the 'American Couturiers'. This dress is a fantastic example of his work and its twin is held in the permanent archives of the Goldstein Museum

This dress with its huge bright print that runs down the front is exceptional. I absolutely love the drama and high couture feel of it. The fabric is beautiful. It is a gorgeous black silk crepe that has a good weight to it so that the lines he wished the dress to have stay perfectly in place once it is on the body. The body is cut to skim over you and the neckline is cut in a wide low V. The width of that V leaves just a touch of collar bone exposed. The sleeves end at above the elbow and each puffs out above the piped cuff. The back dips into an even lower V which leaves a large expanse of skin exposed. The skirt falls from under the bodice and it is interesting how it is set on a curve under the bust at the front instead of a more standard straight seam. Tiny soft folds run around this curve and it wraps around the sides and part way at the back. This curve perfectly follows the top of the floral design that has the feel of a piece of art painted into the fabric. The one single huge flower runs the full length of the skirt to the just above the hem where the leaves of the flower peak out. The back is left a solid black so that you get this long unbroken line with just a hint of what is happening on the front from the bits of the print that peek out at the sides. It is amazing. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk. The inside seams are ribbon edge finished. Hand finished and closes with a hand set, back painted zipper that is offset to follow a seam

Shoulders: approx 16"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from shoulder to hem, with 4" turned up under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3489

Reference Photos: (1) Spring 1964 James Galanos Couture Runway.  /  (2) 1965-1975 James Galanos Dress at the Goldstein Museum of Design Collection.

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