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 the level of craftsmanship to them 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 in his work. Here he uses a fine and lightweight silk chiffon. Every detail on it is perfect and every seam is placed to ensure that the dress falls and sits properly once on and that it will flatter the person wearing it. It is extremely light and has a 'floating' feel to it and yet, at the same time it still feels like a properly constructed couture level garment. The fabric is a fine silk chiffon that is knife pleated through the front of the dress, and on the sleeves, with meticulously matched pleat-work. It is cut with a straight line through the body and then this slightly flares out at the hem with the opening of the pleats. The sleeves are fantastic with each of them done in the same knife pleating technique as the front of the dress. The back is a smooth panel of silk chiffon so the shape does not get too voluminous. The perfect final touch are the large, black crystal rhinestone encrusted dome buttons that run down the front of the dress and sit on each cuff. They are the perfect bit of glitz and glamour to offset the refined elegance the dress has. It is an amazing original Galanos piece that is beautifully made. Excellent condition.

Remarkably I believe that this dress has four full layers of silk chiffon in its make up through the body. The sleeves are unlined, but you only see through them when the pleats move slightly to give you a glimpse of the more sheer parts because of the way the pleats are constructed. It buttons  to closes down the front and each cuff has a button. Lots of couture level details and high end finishes.

Shoulders: 15"
Sleeves: 25" long but meant to pouf a bit above the cuff once buttoned up
Bust: to 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3081

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