This unusual and striking Galanos dress dates to the late 1970s, early 1980s, and combines a silk twill with silk chiffon to create the layered print effect that you see. The entire dress is done in a combination of yellow and blue. The inner layer and skirt are an opaque silk twill. Over that, Galanos has then used a silk chiffon in the same two print. The two layers used this was give the pattern depth and play on the saturation of the color. The bodice has a high neck and soft drape over the bust. Each sleeve billows above the cuff and the shoulders are gathered. The back is left partially open with the slit that goes from neck to waist. The skirt has a straight cut with a side slit. There are two panels attached on either side and these meet and loop through an opening at the waist. This gives it a drape over the hip and fabric cascading down one side.  Excellent condition

The bodice is constructed from two layers of silk chiffon. The skirt is a made of a silk that is fully lined in a yellow tissue silk with silk chiffon draped overlay. The dress closes with a low painted metal zipper that starts at the waist. There are a series of hook and eye at the back of the neck and the chiffon in between is left open. Each sleeve closes with a fabric covered button.

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulder: approx 14"
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from neck to slight empire waist
Skirt: 41" from slight empire waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1119

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

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 and sexy as hell. The skirt is is trademark, long lean sheath of fabric and the high, 19" side slit allows for a good amount of leg to show. The fabric is very unusual - it is a silk jersey that is stitched with pattern in a way that gives it a puffed 3D feel. This adds and incredible texture to the dress and it contrasts fantastically with the pleat stitched bodice. The bodice is gorgeous and intricate and I cannot convey how amazing this is on person. The fabric has been seamed with teeny little pleats and then this is hand gathered and ruched over the inner foundation of the corset so it curves around the torso. Running though this is a curving panel of black lace that allows your skin subtly peeks through. This begins just off the center of the bust, curves under one breast and then runs half way down the back on a beautiful sloping curve. Two skinny straps extend from either side of that lace detail and curve up and over the shoulder. 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 and metallic stretch silk jersey through the bodice and it is lightly boned and formed. The skirt is unlined and the interior seams ribbon and piped finished. It closes with a side zipper. All hand work inside. The lace see-through panel wraps all the way around - it just looks like it closes because the mannequin is bent over a little on that side.

Bust: 15.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" 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.

This bold and bright set by American couturier James Galanos perfectly illustrates the work he was doing in the early 1980s with its bold shoulders and dramatic cut. 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 true Haute Couture atelier, 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". I love the bright floral print that completely covers both of the pieces that make up this set. The silk chiffon fabric that he chose to use is wonderful and the lightness and airy feeling it creates is the perfect balance to the bold print. It moves beautifully once on and really gives the ensemble a sensual and luxurious feel. The top is cut like a jacket skims the body and has dramatic padded shoulders. These top equally dramatic and full sleeves. giving it a bit of a 1940s feel. Red crystal encrusted buttons run down the front. The pants continue that forties feel and are cut very wide with a full 60" circumference at the hem of each leg. So wide that if you are standing still it appears that you are wearing a maxi skirt. These are also made out of a bias cut silk chiffon. The waist nips in and the top can be worn tucked or loose. Excellent condition.

Both pieces are fully interlined  in a red silk chiffon with chiffon ribbon finished edges. The top buttons to close at the front and the pants closes at the side with a zipper at the waist. Appears unworn. Note the color is more of a cherry and pink feel in person. Also after photoing this I feel like perhaps the buttons could (or should) be meant to be at the back. I think you can wear it either way making tit that much more versatile.

Jacket
Sleeves: 25.5"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 25" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from waist to hem
Inseam: 31.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG-XL

Item# DD2696

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

This Galanos gown is made from layers of silk chiffon done in a striking combination of pink that has an overlay of an olive green silk that creates that fabulous 'apron' detail on the front and back of the skirt. I love these two colors together. It is an unexpected color choice that works surprisingly well. To wear, the dress simply slips on and falls perfectly in place over the body. It is beautifully constructed and the simple silhouette is deceptive as the construction techniques used are actually quite intricate with many layers of silk set over each other used in its creation. The pink dress alone has three layers in the skirt. Over that skirt lay panels of the green silk that are set to drape down both the front and back. The bodice is kept simple and sweet with tiny silk straps which are set in a way that allows you to be able to tuck them in and wear the dress as a strapless piece if you wish. The waist is elastic for an easy and comfortable fit, with a matching fabric tie belt to cinch it in for added shape. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the bodice in a second layer of the same pink silk chiffon and the skirt has three full layers of the pink silk chiffon that act as the lining. It closes with a hand set, painted metal side zipper above the waist. Elastic waist. Hidden pockets along the seams of each hip. Hand rolled edges and hand finishes. This would be considered demi-couture.

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16"
Skirt: 41" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1199

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

This is a beautiful silk chiffon jumpsuit by the American couturier James Galanos and really showcases just how great he was at working with fine, light silk chiffon. 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 whose label was formally made a true Haute Couture atelier, 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". I consider mos of his pieces demi-couture for that very reason. I love the coral and taupe print that completely covers the jumpsuit and its contrasting coral-red lining that peeks out at the cuffs and those fantastic cut legs. The silk chiffon fabric that he chose to use is wonderful and the lightness and airy feeling it creates is the perfect balance to the bold print. It moves beautifully once on and really gives the otherwise tailored jumpsuit a sensual and luxurious feel. The top is cut with a simple scoop neckline and long sleeves that each end in a double ruffle of silk. The waist is nipped in and you could add a belt to create even more shape. The pants are amazing. Each is cut wide and full so that if you are standing still it appears that you are wearing a maxi skirt. When you move you realize that each is slit almost the the top of the thigh and the fabric wraps over. Standing they look solid, but when you move they give a flash of skin. They, like the ruffle on the cuffs are lined in a second layer of red so that contrast is there as well. It is fabulous. Excellent condition.

Fully lined  in a red silk chiffon and hand finished edges. The top buttons to close at the back and with a zipper under that below the waist. Appears unworn. Also after photoing this I feel like perhaps the buttons could also be worn at the front. I think you can wear it either way making it that much more versatile.

Sleeves: 26.5"
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 19.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem
Inseam: 36"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD2759

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

James Galanos was a designer who made couture-level gowns and dresses with a level of craftsmanship that left France’s most esteemed couturiers with their mouths agape. The immaculate construction of Galanos’ work oozed luxury, privilege, and high society. He was a master cutter and he used many couture level techniques in his gowns.

This little black dress is lovely and the type of dress that you will reach for endlessly as it is just dressy enough for any occasion that call for a cocktail dress but it also feels refined and elegant. The front is very pretty with black stone and rhinestone edged buttons. Behind those buttons the edges have been scalloped into little curves for a pretty and feminine touch. The neckline is done in a V and the arm opening are set inwards on a slight angle. The waist is set so that it is slightly dropped. This creates length and leanness through the bodice. The skirt has just a touch of fullness to it and it has pockets set along the seam on either side of the hip. Each of those pockets are finished with pipped edges and the scallop detailing along the front edge is top stitched to perfectly follow the cut. The sides of each arm are cut into a deep V. This was one of Galanos' signature finishes. It is just a lovely little dress and one that will easily transition from day to night. Excellent condition.

Fully lined through the bodice in a black silk and the skirt is unlined. All of the interior edges are very well finished. It closes down the front with buttons, hook & eye and fabric covered snaps. It appears to have been worn very little if at all

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 18" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD1448

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

American couturier, James Galanos, made gowns with a level of craftsmanship that left even France’s most esteemed couturiers astonished that an American could equal their craft. The immaculate construction of a Galanos gowns are amazing. His price points were high, but his clients were more then willing to pay for the quality of what they received. He was a master cutter and he used proper couture techniques to create his pieces. Galanos was particularly known for his evening wear and this is one of the most glamorous pieces I have ever seen from him. It is truly extraordinary and I have never seen another like it.

This dress needs an actual body in it to really come to life. As gorgeous as it looks in my photos, it will look even better once on. The fabric is amazing. It is a black silk net that has little explosions of gold and silver covering its surface. Each of these three dimensional 'dots' is make from silver and gold tinsel lame that has been set into the net and tufts out from it. These are densely applied over every inch of the dress and each would have been done by hand. The way that these catch the light and make the entire dress glint is wonderful. The dress is cut in a classic baby doll with a high thin bodice that sits low on the bust and is suspended from the shoulder by two thin straps covered in the 3D tinsel florettes. The bust is then detailed by a band of of hand applied matte gold sequins set just underneath the bust. The skirt explodes out from under that in a  full and voluminous curve to the floor. Once on an actual body, the effect of this volume is even more pronounced. Under the top netted layer is a base of gold knit lame that adds to the metallic feel of the dress. I love how the bottom hem is finished in the same band of gold sequins that sit under the bust, even though you just barely glimpse them through the netting that lies over the inner skirt. It also comes with a matching jacket made of the same gold and silver detailed netting. This is cut loose and wide through the body with no front closures. Each sleeve of the jacket is cut wide and full. It is an extraordinary set. Excellent condition

The bodice is lined in a nude silk organza and support is added by shaping seams and grosgrain. The body of the dress is lined in a olive toned, fine silk. It closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. The jacket slips on with no closures.

Dress
Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Under bust seam: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips at inner lining: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11.5" from top of shoulder strap to lower edge of the sequin waist band
Skirt: 46" from lower edge of the sequin waist band to hem

Jacket
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips: open
Length: 22" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3234

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

James Galanos made couture-level gowns with a level of craftsmanship that were on par with the French couturiers. Galanos was a master cutter and draper and he used couture techniques in the construction of his dresses and gowns.His work is held in all of the major museums and he is one of my personal favorites.

Here he has used a beautiful, fine silk chiffon that is completely covered with a large purple flower print. The skirt is cut to have a touch of a wrapped, sarong feel to it. It is attached but set into the waist so that a part of it wraps around you and then hooks into place at the side of the waist. This gives it that lovely curved line at the front and the draping down one side that you see. It also lets you see all three layers of silk that he has constructed the skirt from. There is the top floral printed layer, a middle layer that is a solid purple in the same tone, and then the innermost  layer under those is done in an unexpected shot of green. When you move you get flashes of that green and the effect is marvelous. The bodice has a slightly scooped neck and each sleeve billows out on a pouf of fabric above its cuff. The back  of the dress closes with a series of buttons that run from the nape of the neck to the waist. The bodice is constructed with an inner top with tiny straps and then the looser top layer lies over that. It has a long matching silk sash that you can use to define the waist, or you could tie it at the neck, or use as a head scarf. Excellent condition

The inner top of the bodice acts like the lining with the sleeves left unlined. The skirt has three layers of silk chiffon to it as described above. It closes with a low, hidden set painted metal zipper that is hand set onto the interior dress. The exterior layer over the bodice closes with silk covered buttons and hook and eye. Each sleeve closes with a zipper. Bias cut so there is a little  with the measurements whoch I have given below. Appears unworn.

Sleeves: 23"
Shoulder: approx 14"
Bust: 16-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 43" from waist to hem

Scarf: 15" x approx 140"

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD1855

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

American couturier, James Galanos, typifies that true American glamour. His work combined chic sophistication with bold design and fabric. Galanos was particularly known for his evening wear. He cut and created his designs to extremely high standards and the workmanship is fabulous. He is considered one of the great American couturiers and his dresses and gowns reflect this in terms of construction and quality.

In person, the effect of the gold thread & silver metallic thread worked through the black backdrop is breathtaking. It pops off the black silk chiffon base far more then the photos can capture. The dress is also surprisingly light, far lighter then you would think at first glance. This is because the base is a double layer of a black silk chiffon that keep the weight light bit still holds the shape he was after. The metallic design that covers the dress is made of a soft 'eyelash' lurex that has a slight 3D effect. It makes the entire dress sparkle and glimmer with every movement of the wearer and the effect is beautiful. The cut has been kept simple so that the fabric can take center stage. A high rounded neckline and simple bodice are balance by long sleeves and a skirt that flows to the floor in a long column. Up one side is a 21" slit that shows some leg when you walk or move. It is a beautiful, dramatic piece and better in person and on a real body. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a black silk chiffon with piped silk chiffon finished interior seams. It closes with a back hidden set nylon and metal zipper. 21" Slit up one leg

Sleeves: 22.5"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2377

Reference Photo: Amanda Lee Shirreffs for her weekly column on our blog, Curated. (Photos by Erin Leydon) Click here to see the full column >

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

Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and although his atelier was never formally designated as Haute Couture by the French, he certainly produced clothing that met the parameters of couture and he is often referred to  as one of the great American couturiers. This set was custom made, and is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser. Betsy appeared on several Vogue covers in the 1950s and it was during that time period time period that she met Galanos. They were friends for over 60 years. She collected, and wore Galanos, her entire life and was his friend and muse. He once told her husband ‘I would rather have Betsy wear my clothes than any other woman’. She was a constant presence on the International Best Dressed List and and was added to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame in the early 1970s.

The set is cut to a length befitting a model and it made of a beautifully printed, light weight silk chiffon that is combined with a metallic red lace. The silk has a romantic feeling, watercolor print covering its surface that gives the effect of oversized, abstract flowers. The pants are made of two layers of silk and weigh mere ounces. They are cut long and wide with an elastic waist that makes them easy to wear. The top portion layers over the pants and is also made of two layers of silk through the skirt. Each side is slit open right up to the lace top. This layered effect gives it lots of volume and movement and creates a light, floating effect when you walk. The bodice is made of two panels of lace, one making the back and the other the front, and these are connected along each side. He has cut them so that the sides plunge quite low for a bit of skin to show. It is almost scandalous. The lace is particularly beautiful with its metallic finish. I love how it is layered over a nude inner silk lining so that from a distance you look like you are wearing nothing underneath it. The entire top dress layer is suspended by four tiny silk straps that curve over the shoulder. The contrast between the silk and the metallic lace and the boldness of the colors is wonderful. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

The pants are made of two layers of silk chiffon and close with a back painted zipper. They have elastic at the waist. The over dress is lined with a nude silk chiffon through the bodice and the skirt is constructed from two layers of the silk chiffon. The overlay closes on one side with hidden fabric covered snaps. There are a couple of small repairs and light snags near the hem of the overlay that are minor and do not detract. This is a one-off, unlabelled custom piece made for Betsy and came from her estate. There is a little bit of play in the measurements because of the cut and elastic waist so it will fit a range of sizes. Its more on the larger size then the smaller.

Over dress
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from shoulder to hem

Pants
Elastic waist: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Pant: 45" from waist to hem
Inseam: 32" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# DD2278

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon

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

This wonderful little dress is a testament to the greatness of James Galanos who was one of the great American Couturiers. Galanos made couture-level dresses and gowns with a level of craftsmanship that left France’s most esteemed couturiers with their mouths agape. The immaculate construction of a Galanos piece oozed luxury, privilege, and high society (with price points to match). He was a master cutter and he used couture techniques. Here he uses a fine and lightweight to create this wonderful day dress. The black silk is printed with a tightly spaced clover print. I love that each clover leaf is actually a little heart. Perhaps a subtle nod to being 'lucky in love'? Every detail on it is perfect and every seam is placed to ensure that the dress falls and sits properly once on and flatters the person wearing it. There is a small discreet slit on the front at the neck and another at the back and each closes at the top with a fabric knot button. The fabric is actually folded and pleated over these so you get a very pretty and couture feeling effect. The sleeves are fantastic and each billows out above their long buttons cuffs dramatically. The skirt falls in a sleek sheath and the waist is shaped and cinched with the long matching tie. It is an amazing original Galanos piece that is very modern feeling and wearable. Excellent condition with a small note below to review.

Fully lined in a fine ivory silk chiffon except for the sleeves which are left unlined. It closes with a hand-set back painted metal zipper and each cuff buttons to close with 4 knotted fabric buttons. Pockets along each hip. Lots of other couture level details, hand finished and properly finished seam edges inside. There are a couple areas of small storage marks that get lost n the print - please see photos provided.

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2964

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

This dress was custom made, and is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser. Betsy appeared on several Vogue covers in the 1950s and it was during that time period time period that she met Galanos. They were friends for over 60 years. She collected, and wore Galanos, her entire life and was his friend and muse. He once told her husband ‘I would rather have Betsy wear my clothes than any other woman’. She was a constant presence on the International Best Dressed List and and was added to the Best Dressed Hall of Fame in the early 1970s.

Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and although his atelier was never formally designated as Haute Couture by the French, he certainly produced clothing that met the parameters of couture and he is often referred to  as one of the great American couturiers. Here, we see that high level of workmanship put into this dress. The dress is made of a light weight  black silk chiffon that is covered with a vivid floral print. The colors are bright and true with a watercolor feel and they pop against that black backdrop. Three full layers of silk are used through the body and yet the dress still weighs mere ounces. The top layer is printed and the two layers under that are a black silk chiffon. The layered effect of the silk gives it lots of movement and creates a light, floating effect when you walk. Each layer is finished with a black ribbon piping along the edges and the dress does up along each side with a series of small frog knots and loops made of the same fabric as the finishing. It is cut in a long column that skims over the body to the floor. Each side has a openings along either side and the lower frog knots are functional so that you can control how high they open slightly. The top is scooped at both the front, and the back. Both these scoops are finished with a panel of a fine black lace so that you get a transparency effect. The back is scooped very low and is only kept from being scandalous for its time period by that covering of lace. The contrast between the lightness of the silk, the see through quality of the lace and the boldness of the colors is wonderful. Excellent condition

The dress is made of three layers of silk chiffon and close with a hidden set, side zipper. Frog knots run down each side with some functional and some decorative. The slits can be close slightly with a frog knot and if you wanted them higher you could open them more. This is a one-off, unlabelled custom piece made for Betsy and came from her estate. The cut is loose and easy through the body.

Bust: 18-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from top of shoulder to hem
Slits: to 28" on one side and to 23" on the other

Modern Sizing Equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# DD3004

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