In 1951, 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. Just three years later in 1954 he won both the 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. His ready-to-wear was made to couture standards and 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 gowns. Grace Kelly was an early fan. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. 

Here we have a piece that dates to the late 1970s or early 1980s. It is absolutely gorgeous and as good as it looks in the photos, it is even better in person. The texture and quality of the fabric is remarkable. The skirt is cut to be one long and lean line. It has a high 19" side slit that allows for a good amount of leg to show and for you to be able to walk. The cut is curved and fitted. The fabric is very unusual. It it is a black silk jersey that has a puffed 3-dimensional quality to it. This unusual finish has been created by hand stitching the top layer into the bottom layer to  create the puffed pattern that you see. This extra volume adds incredible texture to the dress and it contrasts perfectly with the pleated bodice. There the fabric has been seamed with teeny little pleats that are all set on a curve. These are then hand gathered and placed over the inner corseting so that the bodice wraps and curves around you. He then inset a curved panel of black lace into the bodice. The lace is not backed with a lining so that it is transparent and allows your skin to peek through. This curved bit of lace begins just off centre between the breasts, curves under the bust, around your waist and then runs halfway down the low back to expose a sliver of the waist and hip. It is very sexy. Two skinny straps extend out from either side of the lace at the top and curve up and over the shoulder. It appears to have been worn very little it at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black and metallic stretch silk jersey through the bodice and it is lightly boned and formed. The fabric of the skirt is self-lined and the interior seams ribbon and piped finished. It closes with a side zipper. All hand work inside.

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from top of straps to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2510

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