James Galanos (1924-2016) was an American fashion designer who dressed America’s social elite and celebrities during 46 years. Among the celebrities wearing James Galanos, there were Nancy Reagan (the Ronald Reagan’s wife), Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe. James Galanos was only interested in designing clothes for wealthy women (“the luxury niche”). Contrary to his peers like Geoffrey Beene and Bill Blass, he refused his brand to be present on the mass-market. Reknown couturier, he obtained several Coty Awards, a lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America and a bronze plaque on Seventh Avenue’s Fashion Walk of Fame.
He began his career as assistant to Hattie Carnegie in the 1940s. Then, he made an apprenticeship alongside the costume designer Jean Louis at Columbia Studios. He founded his brand in the early 1950s and it was quickly successful. In 1954, he won his first Coty Awards and became the younger designer to have this honor. In addition to his clothes, the couturier launched perfumes. In 1998, he quit the fashion business.
Fifties fashion :
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