Galanos, James

James Galanos (1924 – 2016) started his fashion house, based in Los Angeles, in 1951, after nine years of studying and working in the fashion industry. Starting in 1942, he spent a short time at the Traphagen School of Fashion, worked briefly at Hattie Carnegie, went to California and worked with Jean Louis at Columbia Pictures, was an apprentice to Robert Piguet in Paris and worked at Davidow in New York.

It was Jean Louis who encouraged Galanos to go into business for himself. His years of working in the business served him well, as he opened a ready-to-wear house that is often compared to couture. Galanos became known for his work in chiffon; evening wear was a specialty. He also designed elegant suits and dresses for day. Galanos is often associated with Nancy Reagan, who was a loyal fan through the years. Galanos retired in 1998.

“I like to play with the fabric – the more I work with it, the more I see what it can do.” James Galanos, 1978

Note that labels two and three are very similar. The font of the later label is slightly larger and thicker than that of the earlier label.

Written by fuzzylizzie

used from 1951 to 1955

Courtesy of tammaravintagediva

used from 1954 to 1963

Courtesy of kickshawproductions

used from 1963 on

Courtesy of kickshawproductions

from a 1960s cocktail dress

Courtesy of SweetMelissasVintage

from a 1969 gown

Courtesy of antiquedress.com

from a 1960s coat dress (belt logo)

Courtesy of claireshaeffer

from a fur coat, c. 1970

Courtesy of Augusta Auctions

from a 1980s stripe silk dress

Courtesy of claireshaeffer

from a 1980s dress

Courtesy of claireshaeffer