Designer du Jour : Galanos

 

Designer du Jour : Galanos
 
We added this great 1980s red wool dress by Galanos to the website recently. I am so glad it was offered to us. Every time I handle one of his dresses, I remember what was so special about them. James Galanos had a long and successful career. He designed and produced some of the highest quality ready to wear available in the US - as close to couture as clothing can get and still be ready to wear. Norman Norell’s ready to wear had that fine a quality, too. Galanos’ garments are always of fine quality fabrics- wonderful woolens, lovely silks. He was equally adept with solids or prints, spare wool day dresses or voluminous chiffon evening wear.

Although based in California, he showed in New York and attained great acclaim there.

Shirring, tucking, trapunto stitching - he used all the sewing techniques. If you are lucky enough to find a Galanos, be sure to study the interior and the construction . It is always a learning experience.

Just a few examples:

1980s Red Wool Crepe Galanos Day Dress ( with added belt). The shaping on this is superb. The 1980s padded raglan cut shoulders are balanced by the scaled up collar which is emphasized with channel topstitching. The large gold tone buttons create a center line for the eye to follow. Now available at Past Perfect Vintage

And from our Archives:

1950s/60s Black Wool 2 piece Dress Set. The seaming is quite sculptural here, with curved yoke seams and a wide inset waist on the back of the top. The skirt has bubble silhouette to complement the curves of the top.

 

Very late 1950s Red and Black Plaid wool 3 piece Day Set with Coat, Dress and Hat. The fringed finishes and tam hat play well off the tartan wool in this set. The coat and dress both have an Empire waist, the coat with a unique cutaway skirt that exposes the dress front. The waists are finished with belts and buttons. For wearing comfort, the dress is sleeveless under the coat.

1950s Red Chiffon Dress and Tartan Jacket . This dress is defined by textural differences, with a simple short sleeve bodice, beautifully outlined with a wide silk satin bias binding and set off with a back button closure and a narrow satin belt.The chiffon skirt is voluminous with many yards shirred into the small waist. The matching jacket is a red and black tartan wool with black velvet collar.