A chic little black dress by Galanos that is perfect to the very last detail! I love the slightly dropped waist that allows the bodice to skim over the torso and waist and create length and leanness. The skirt has just a touch of fullness and it also has little pockets set into each hip! Lots of lovely details - each pocket is finished with pipped edges and the scallop detailing along the front edge is top stitched to perfectly follow the cut. I love the glossy black buttons that are inset with rhinestones! The sides of each arm are cut in a V - a signature Galanos finish. It is just lovely and will easily transition from day to night. Excellent, appears unworn condition.

Unlined and all interior edges are finely finished. Closes with the front buttons, hook & eye and fabric covered snaps.

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.

This is a fine and rare 1960s belt that is a huge statement piece. It actually came with a James Galanos dress that was not salvageable and I have had it tucked away for some time. It has no markings but did match the dress it came from so I believe it to be a Galanos piece that was most likely custom made for that dress. The belt is huge - almost more of a waist cincher then a true belt. It is made of suede with a leather backed stuff buckle and then the rest of the belt is pieced suede with a strong graphic design running over it in a combination of a pink, copper tone and taupe. Really unusual and a strong piece.

Unmarked and closes with the front slide buckle. There are marks through the suede as shown - I have not had it cleaned and these could all potentially come out. They don't really bother me since its such a strong piece and I find on vintage suede and leathers that bit of a "lived in feel' add to the authentic feel of each piece

Height: 10" from top to bottom
Width: 54.5" from end to end and will adjust to fit pretty much any size

Item# A291

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 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 spectacular creation from American couturier, James Galanos, uses silk crepe and silk chiffon to create one of his signature dresses that effortless combine sensuality while still keeping a classic feel. That element of sexuality hidden behind illusion is a trait that the best of his dresses share. Galanos was particularly known for his work in silks and chiffon and this gown combines the two brilliantly. The main body of the dress is made of a deep custom dyed marigold silk crepe. This fabric choice is especially brilliant as it has a touch of stretch to it that makes it very comfortable to wear despite its sculpted look. Underneath the crepe of the bodice is a matching hued silk chiffon that gives it that transparency and allows for the dramatic plunging cut that goes right to the waist. The back is left bare under the single layer of silk chiffon that covers that, and a long keyhole slit down the center of the back allows for a sexy glimpse of skin. I love the billowing sleeves above each cuffed wrist as they add the perfect balance to the fitted bodice. The skirt fits slim around the hips and the bias cut of the silk crepe give it the perfect drape as it cascades to the floor and widens out as it nears the hem. If you love it in the photos you will be thrilled when you see it in person. It is so much better on a real body. Excellent condition with one small item to note below.

The interior silk chiffon layer on the bodice is unlined and also act as the lining behind the silk crepe parts. The skirt is interlined in the same silk chiffon as we see on the bodice. It closes with hook and eye at the back neck and a low hand set painted metal zipper. Each sleeve closes with hook & eye. Bias cut through the skirt so there is some play with the measurements through the hip. Silk ribbon interior finished seams. There is a tiny area of thinning to the fabric near the seam of the cuff on one sleeve - it is stable and went through cleaning no problem. Made to demi-couture standards

Sleeves: 27"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14.5" from neck to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD2356

Reference Photos: Photographed for creative purposes by Nikki Ormerod, Styling: Nadia Pizzimenti, Hair & Makeup: Ashley Readings, Model: Constance from Plutino Models.

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.

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James Galanos was a genius at manipulating the finest of silks and when one finds such an exemplary example of his work like this it is a true joy. You can see the similarities to the dress in that famous Gordon Parks photo of Gloria Vanderbilt. In it she wears a version of a similar dress with the same treatment to the hem.

The construction on this particular Galanos dress is divine. It is made up of layers of a pretty peach colored silk chiffon anchored by a wide panel of a soft taupe anchoring the bottom hem. The silk is as light as a feather and is a difficult fabric to work with under any circumstance but Galanos took it a step further and made the entire dress into an intricate pleated construction. The silk is cut it on the bias and then it was knife pleated in long vertical lines. Even the wide cut, full sleeves have been pleated in this manner. This pleating technique give the dress an incredible movement and overall texture. The top is cut to sit loose and easy with an elastic finish at the waist. It can be worn on its own or with the wide ribbed leather belt that came with it. The skirt swirls out below that to the floor and Very feminine and very pretty. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in the same peach colored silk chiffon and closes with a two separate painted metal zippers at the back. The first closes the interior lining and the second is hidden under the pleats to close the outer layer. Each cuff has elastic. Hand finishes throughout and made to demi-couture standards. The belt shows minor wear - light scuffing here and there but is otherwise in excellent condition. I see two tiny smudges on the back shoulder mentioned for accuracy. The color has more of a pop and brightness to it in a person and the taupe panel is a softer shade in person. The photos do not do this amazing piece justice at all

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 13.5"
Bust: 17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner lining at hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from neck to waist
Skirt: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2431

Reference Photos: (1) Vulkan Magazine, March 29 2016. (Photographer/Art Director: Michael Kai Young.  Fashion Director: Georgia Groom.  Hair & Makeup: Robert Weir @ Judy Inc.  Models: Erin Forster @ Elmer Olsen/Andrew Podolio @ Elite Toronto/Want Management.) / (2) Outtake from the same shoot.  /  Gloria Vanderbilt in James Galanos, 1961, by Gordon Parks.

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

Take an EXTRA 20% OFF this item with code EXTRA20 at checkout!

This fun little jumpsuit by the American couturier James Galanos really showcases his more playful side. I love the bright red and white dot print that completely covers the jumpsuit from shoulder to hem. The silk fabric that he chose to use is light and easy to wear creating the perfect balance to the bold print. It moves beautifully once on and has a nice tailored feel that keeps the print from being to much. The top is cut with a simple scoop neckline at the front and a deeper, low scoop at the back. The waist is just a suggestion created by vertical seaming and you could add a belt to create even more shape. The pants are amazing. Each is cut wide and straight so that you get a really long lean line and each ends in a little turned up cuff. It is fabulous. 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 most of his pieces demi-couture for that very reason. Excellent overall condition with one note to review below

Fully lined  in a white silk with hand finished edges. It closes at the back with a hidden set zipper. There is the lightest of discoloration along the edge of the inner arms that shows more so on the inside. It is perfectly fine once on. Please review the photos provided.

Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from top of shoulder to hem
Inseam: 33" from inner seam to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD2889

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.

Galanos made couture-level gowns with a level of craftsmanship that left France’s most esteemed couturiers with their mouths agape. The immaculate construction of Galanos’ gowns oozed luxury, privilege, and high society (with price points to match) but he never led his clients astray—they were always beyond satisfied. He was a master cutter and draper and he used couture techniques in his gowns. Here he uses a beautiful, fine silk chiffon that is printed with large purple flowers that cover it from tip to bottom. The sarong feeling skirt wraps around you and is and hooks at the side of the waist. This gives it that lovely curved line at the front and the draping down one side. It also lets you see all three layers of silk  that the skirt is made up of. There is a top printed layer, a middle layer of a solid purple and then the inner layer is a startling green silk chiffon. When you move you get flashes of that bold green and it is quite genius. The bodice has a scooped neck and each sleeve billows above its cuff. The back buttons from the nape of the neck to the waist. It is constructed so that there is an inner tank style top over which the looser exterior blouses. 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 interior bodice is constructed from two layers of silk chiffon and the exterior layer over this is unlined. The skirt has three layers 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 some play with the measurements. 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.