In a blind “fashion test,” you might examine the outstanding craftsmanship and workmanship in a Galanos garment and think “French couture” but no, these masterpieces were constructed right here in Southern California in the good ol’ USA.
But while they were made here in America, many of the fabrics came from Europe, where Galanos would hand-select them personally. And it was this type of attention to detail that created an extremely loyal group of customers who collected Galanos garments long before they became part of museum collections.
Today’s VPOD features a museum-worthy Galanos coat from the 1970s. The ivory wool crepe is exquisitely hand-tailored with hidden buttons, inverted pleats on the sleeves and two perfect back pleats. Then that’s all set-off with a satin-covered belt with a white plastic buckle.
It’s a jolly good Galanos find for a vintage fashionista!
Available at Runway Clothes Consignment.
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With the fashion industry so focused on the outside, it’s good to remember that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. No matter how beautiful a woman may appear to the eye, if she is nasty or mean-spirited her beauty will diminish the minute she opens her mouth. And James Galanos knew that what was on the inside counted, too. He established a reputation for creating garments whose insides were just as meticulously finished and beautiful as their outsides.
Today’s VPOD, a 1980s wool dress, is a fine example of his excellent tailoring and is available for a stylish fashionista to call her own. But more than 120 other Galanos masterpieces are available as eye candy at Kent State University’s exhibit, James Galanos American Luxury, which runs until March 1, 2009 on the university campus. If you’re in my old stomping grounds of northeast Ohio, be sure to visit.
It’s a Galanos treat for a vintage fashionista!
Available at Frock Vintage NYC.
For more information on the exhibit, click here.
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Technorati Tags: Fashion, vintage, vintage clothing,1980s, James Galanos, Exhibit, designer
Now that I’m living on the West Coast I’ve become quite enamored with the work of James Galanos. This southern California designer never moved his operations to New York, the center of American fashion, but rather built his reputation and empire thousands of miles away.
His clothing is timeless and classic–for example, Nancy Reagan wore a 14-year Galanos design to her first state dinner at the White House. A glance at today’s VPOD and you can see why.
This elegant cocktail dress is made of sheer gold brocade backed with black silk organza. Somehow the proportions just seem perfect–the depth of the v-neckline versus the three-quarter sleeves versus the length of the skirt. And I find the fringed black sash completely charming.
It’s a head-turning find for a vintage fashionista!
Available at Katy Kane Vintage and Couture Clothing.
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Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Fashion, James Galanos
James Galanos was a ready-to-wear designer who manufactured couture-quality clothing. His garments featured an astonishing amount of hand work and all the beading and embroidery was done by hand. In addition, he was so conscious of quality that he often used fabrics for linings that other manufacturers were using for their dresses!
In the 1950s, he became particularly well known for his chiffon dresses with their hand-rolled edges. Today’s VPOD is an example of his work in chiffon from the 1980s.
This casually elegant evening gown is simply spectacular with its backless bra halter, stunning poppy print and matching shawl.
It’s a glamorous find for a vintage fashionista!
Available at Vintage Textile.
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Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1980s, Galanos
