Gorgeous 1970s Galanos Couture Bright Pink & Moss Green Silk Chiffon Dress

In 1951, 27 year old James Galanos launched his first label called Galanos Originals. By 1954 he had won a 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. That said, his ready-to-wear line was made to almost true couture standards and piece in it were made 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 other pieces. Grace Kelly was an early fan and he was truly one of the great American designers. His work is held in all of the major museums around the world and he is one of my personal favourite designers. This dress is just a beauty and I love the bold colour combination

I love this dress. The color combination is fabulous together and the silk chiffon is a stunning quality. The dress is made out of several layers of that silk chiffon. This is something that Galanos excelled at. It is very difficult to work with this fabric and have it lie properly. The skirt is really where you see his genius. It is made out of four layers of the pink chiffon with each layer stacked perfectly over the one beneath it. The layers are attached at the side seam and the waist only so that the hem has the full movement created by the four layers. This is what gives the dress movement when you move. The top is also made out of layers of the silk so that it is opaque enough to wear. The waist and the neckline are both  finished with elastic so that it is very comfortable on. The top is suspended by two tiny pink straps that curve over the shoulder. Because of the elastic you can easily tuck those in and wear this as a strapless piece if you wanted. To finish the look he has set a panel of moss green silk chiffon on both the front and the back of the skirt. This is attached around the waist with the sides left open down the full length of panels so the pink shows from underneath. The dress has a matching green silk chiffon short sash that you can use to cinch the waist for added shape or use around the neck or as a head wrap. Pockets along each hip. It is beautifully made and feather light. As with most silk chiffon pieces it really will only truly come to life when on an actually body. It is so pretty. Excellent condition with a small note below.

The layers of silk make it opaque enough to wear. It closes with a hand set side zipper. Elastic at the waist and neckline. Pockets on each hip. Hand rolled edges and hand finishes throughout. A faint mark in the silk at the waist and a tiny area of thinning on one side of the sash. Please see the last two photos after the label shot. The elastic should allow it to fit a range of sizes

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-MED

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.