60'S GALANOS ABSTRACT SILK CHIFFON COLUMN DRESS
Two time Coty Award winner, James Galanos, is known for the exquisite couture like workmanship in his clothing, and the use of chiffon, unusual printed silks, beading and brocade in his eveningwear.
According to the Vintage Fashion Guild label resource, he started his fashion house, based in Los Angeles, in 1951, after nine years of studying and working in the fashion industry. In 1942, he spent a short time at the Traphagen School of Fashion, worked briefly at Hattie Carnegie, went to California and worked with Jean Louis at Columbia Pictures, was an apprentice to Robert Piguet in Paris and worked at Davidow in New York.
He was a favorite designer to Nancy Reagan, Diana Ross and Rosalind Russell.
This stunning gown from the 1960's is representative of the the slim column like sheaths he designed.
A long sleeveless dress done in a double layer of deep coral silk crepe chiffon lined in taupe silk charmeuse is overlaid by a spectacular flowing abstract print sheer chiffon in shades of coral, fuschia, teal blue, gold, purple and black.
Deeply scooped neckline front and back. Attached overlay is gathered at neckline and closes in front with round brasstone buttons and loop closures.
Sheath dress has a slit on one side and closes with a hand stitched side metal zipper.
Couture quality hand finishing inside.
Label reads "Galanos"
Measurements-
Bust 34"
Waist 30"
Hips 36"
Length 52"
Estimate to be a modern size 4. But please compare your measurements to that of the dress, allowing room for movement.
Good wearable condition-
Thin 1" faint spot on front. Really blends well into print.
There is an L shaped repair at the very bottom. Most of the repair is on the back side of hem. We acquired the dress with this.
Our seamstress repaired a tear in the silk chiffon near one shoulder seam. It appears as a very thin line.
There are two miniscule frays near the other shoulder seam and a tiny 1/8" hole in chiffon underneath right armhole.
None of these condition issues are very detracting or affect the wearability of the garment, as the dress beneath is in perfect condition. Fabric is strong.
Though someone may want to do something to stabilize the teeny frays in the chiffon at some point, they're so miniscule as to not be a cause for concern.
Overall its a fabulous, collectible gown from one of America's most famous designers.
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