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 pieces 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 work. 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 super easy to wear and gorgeous

This fabulous little black dress is made out of a fine light weight silk. This fabric choice gives the dress a lovely light and airy feel to it. The dress is unlined and simply floats over the body. The neckline is cut straight and wide across the shoulders and I think if you are narrow through the shoulder you could even wear this as an off-shoulder dress or at very least let is slip down and off one shoulder. The sleeves are cut extra wide and end with a ruffle. The width of them and fullness of the cut gives then a caped feel. The sleeves extend out from the waist at the bottom and then slope down and over the shoulder at the top. This sleeve choice gives the dress a very feminine feel and also adds a lot of movement through the top of the dress. The bodice is cut to blouse out over the waist playing on that caped feel. There is a slit that runs down the center front of the dress that you can't super see in the photos but it is there and adds an unexpected flash of skin when you move. The waist is elastic and this lets you play with where the waist sits. You can wear it higher up or have it sit a little lower so the length is longer. I have added a pretty black grosgrain ribbon that cinches it in and I will send this with the dress. The skirt falls from the waist in a pretty cascade of fabric and gives the illusion of wrapping around you and curving up on one side. The skirt is finished at its edge with a ruffle. The way it crosses over itself allows for a bit of leg to show when you walk or sit. It is a really special piece that is super comfortable to wear and that can have a lot of subtle sexiness to it or feel very prim and proper depending on how you style it. On an actual body it is even better then on my dress form because he cut his dresses to be worn and move with the body. Excellent condition with a note to review below

Unlined and slips on to wear with a hook at the back of the neck above a keyhole. Elastic at the waist for an easy fit. Ribbon edged finishes seams. Extremely well made. Sent with a grosgrain ribbon for the waist that is not original to the dress. The elastic waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: open with no true side seams
Elastic waist: 12-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 18" from top of bodice to waist and will blouse over
Skirt: 25" from waist to shortest point of front hem, 36" to back hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3936

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