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 made a couture house he certainly produced clothing with many of the hallmarks that define couture, thus giving him the status as being known as one of the "American Couturiers".  Here was have a piece that is likely late 1970s, early 1980s and is absolutely exquisite. The skirt is is trademark, long lean sheath of fabric and the slit allows for a good amount of leg to show. The fabric is a liquid, flat wet look jersey upon which silk is hand painted. The bodice is quite obviously the star of this garment and I cannot convey how amazing this is on person. It is densely and heavily hand bead and appliqued entirely with crystals and quite heavy and substantial. It is cut to wrap around the torso of the wearer like a corset of crystal. Each band is sewn together completely at the back but at the front slits are left open above and below that skin subtly peeks through. The top and bottom band are done in silver and the middle glossy black. It is so insanely sexy and so obviously couture upon first glance that you will literally have your breathe taken away. If you have been looking for the ultimate dramatic statement gown this could just be it. Exquisite in every way. Excellent, appears unworn condition

Fully lined in a black tissue silk through the bodice and it is boned and formed. The skirt is lined in a black silk organza and the interior seams ribbon and piped finished. It closes with two zippers at the back - one on the inner corset top and the other on the exterior fabric down the back. All hand work inside. Note that it was too small to properly close on my mannequin. On the proper size girl it does of course close entirely.

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Empire waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of bodice to empire waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem with a 25" slit up one side

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS

Item# DD2009

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