Evening Dress
1959 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
James Galanos launched his own fashion label in 1951. He decided to create his very sophisticated high fashion collections in Los Angeles. For this dress, made in 1959, he paired black with just one colour. The result is highly successful. The strapless bodice is in dark crimson velvet. It is richly embroidered with fleurs-de-lis and rosettes in black bugle beads, with chenille and soutache (a narrow, round-edged braid). It almost looks like a religious garment. A simple satin ribbon waistband separates the bodice from the skirt with its delicate layers of black chiffon. The dress has a centre back zip fastening.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Chiffon and velvet, embroidered with bugle beads, chenille and soutache, lined with silk |
| Brief description | Full length evening dress consisting of a chiffon skirt and embroidered velvet bodice, designed by James Galanos, United States, 1959 |
| Physical description | Full length evening dress with a high waisted strapless bodice in crimson velvet with black bugle bead embroidery, braid chenille and spangles, with a fleur-de-lis design, and floral and formal patterns. The skirt consists of three very full layers of black chiffon gathered into a high waistband which is covered with a band of black silk attached to the skirt, and fastens at the back with press stud and hook. Full lined in black silk with a boned bodice, and with a centre back zipper fastening. |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'GALANOS' (Woven label, black on white) |
| Credit line | Given by Miss Eleanor Lambert |
| Summary | James Galanos launched his own fashion label in 1951. He decided to create his very sophisticated high fashion collections in Los Angeles. For this dress, made in 1959, he paired black with just one colour. The result is highly successful. The strapless bodice is in dark crimson velvet. It is richly embroidered with fleurs-de-lis and rosettes in black bugle beads, with chenille and soutache (a narrow, round-edged braid). It almost looks like a religious garment. A simple satin ribbon waistband separates the bodice from the skirt with its delicate layers of black chiffon. The dress has a centre back zip fastening. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.218-1974 |
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| Record created | February 25, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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