Prettiest 1970s James Galanos Couture Weightless One Shoulder Floral S James Galanos leopard print silk chiffon couture halter evening dress 1970's James Galanos Couture Ecru Pleated Gown with Polka Dot Interior Prettiest 1970s James Galanos Couture Weightless One Shoulder Floral S Galanos Rare Vintage 1950's Couture Full Sweep Silk Chiffon + Lace Prettiest 1970s James Galanos Couture Weightless One Shoulder Floral S. Galanos was known as the designer that could rival the French in terms of construction and design. He launched his atelier in 1951 and though he was never a designer that was formally made a couture house he certainly produced clothing with many of the hallmarks that define couture, thus giving him the status as being known as one of the "American Couturiers". Here we have a piece that a custom made on off piece and is absolutely exquisite that most likely late seventies to early eighties. This is from the estate of 1950s model Betsy Pickering Kaiser who was a close friend and muse of James Galanos. "Through her career, Betsy appeared on the cover of important magazines including Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Mademoiselle, Charm, Town & Country and GQ. She was inducted into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1971." She donated many of her pieces to museums, particularly The Met, so it is an honour to have this here available for someone to love and collect. The dress is constructed into his signature long lean sheath silhouette and is deceptively simple. I cannot convey how amazing this is on person. It literally weighs ounces and was made of three layers of fabric layered over each other an interior, fine silk chiffon layer in nude, a black chiffon layer between and the top a feather light, fine lace with a floral trellis woven into its design. It is suspended form the shoulder with two tiny silk straps and the bodice runs down and curves very deep while the back takes on a more angular plunge. It skims over the body and is so light you feel quite scandalous it is like you are wearing nothing at all. A high slit up one side gives a flash of leg as you move. It is so insanely sexy and so obviously couture upon first glance that you will literally have your breathe taken away. If you have been looking for the ultimate dramatic statement gown that is sexy but refined at the same time this could just be it. Exquisite in every way, in museum quality condition and supermodel length. Excellent, appears unworn condition Under the top layer of lace are two attached layers of silk chiffon as described above with hand finished edgings. It closes with hidden set side zipper. All hand work and finished inside. Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam Hips: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam Length: 60" from shoulder to hem Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML MED Item# DD2112 This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.