Autumn in New York.

James Galanos is well known for his use of silks in creating elegant cocktail wear and evening gowns, and is one of the most important living designers of the 20th century. The evening gown pictured below was originally purchased by Mrs. Harry Belafonte on November 11th 1961 from Bergdorf Goodman. We know this because there is a tag sewn on the bottom of the gown by Bergdorf Goodman stating the date and purchase information. The gown is constructed from silk that has a fall foliage pattern, with hints of fawn colored flocking throughout. There is a sewn-on black satin bow that perfectly matches the black satin three button jacket which completes this lovely ensemble. The jacket lining is the same flocked silk material that the gown is made from. In the front of the gown there is a small curved slit that comes about a foot up the gown from the floor. This is an extremely elegant gown, perfect for a fall black-tie event, possibly a very chic Thanksgiving dinner. One could venture to guess that Thanksgiving dinner could have been what Mrs. Belafonte had originally purchased this gown for. To see all of the James Galanos pieces that we have here at Decades click HERE!

James Galanos fall floral print gown with waist bow and black satin jacket, 1961. Contemporary size 2-4.

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