In 1951, 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. That said, his ready-to-wear line was made to almost true couture standards and piece in it were made 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 the construction of his dresses and other pieces. Grace Kelly was an early fan and he was truly one of the great American designers. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. The label that is in the coat is the one that was the one used between 1963 and 1977 giving us a definitive time period that it would have been made in. This coat is just stunning

This coat is so well made and tailored that it is a thing of beauty to see. It is made from a heavier weight creamy ivory coloured wool and this is what gives it its structure. It is cut in that highly structured manner of this time period with a more fitted upper body and then it flares out wide through the lower half of the coat. Every line of this coat is fantastic. The collar is oversized and sits more towards the back so that the points of the lapel fall on the shoulder. It then creates a neat little wide set V as it angles in towards the first top button. The buttons that run down the front are a matching ivory and they are thick cut and round. The sleeves are long and sleek and cut on a slight curve in the proper tailoring manner to follow the arm. The edges are top stitched and there is a large front pocket set right at the waist. This become the main design detail and it quite fabulous in its unusual placement. The skirting of the coat opens with inverted pleats set at each side and then again at the back. Each of these has this wonderful pointed 'arrow' top stitching at the top of the seam that I just love. All of the seams are set on the vertical so there is no cross line to break the eye. The final perfect finishing touch is the stark black silk taffeta lining that offers a stark contrast to the cream exterior. It is truly one of the best vintage coats I have seen and a wonderful find. Excellent condition with a minor note below. 

Fully lined in a black silk taffeta and closes with buttons at the front. The front pocket is functional. This is a medium to heavy weight coat. Hand finished throughout. Some very minor pilling to the fabric here and there but I am being very picky. Very faint grubbiness around the bottom edge. Again being insanely picky. Both of these would not show in the photos. It is beautifully made and tailored . 

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# C598

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