Rare 1959 James Galanos Red Felt Dress designer-john-galliano A stylized black art deco

A stylized black art deco pattern in black seed beads add extra detailing to this dramatic trim

The front plunges to the waist and is wired inside so that it stays perfectly in place

There is subtle netting under the hip area to help to add and hold the shape of the skirt

The bodice has a pretty silk chiffon edging in a sweetheart bust line

the arm openings were positioned along the neckline edge rather than the sideseam edges

Rare 1959 James Galanos Red Felt Dress designer-john-galliano A stylized black art decoThis is an outstanding early example of James Galanos work! The near identical dress resides in the permanent collection at The Metropolitan Museum in NYC in a black version. I think the beautiful red version is so much better! Galanos was a designer for whom the fabric was always the start point and this particular fabric is wonderful! It is a deep blood red and cut to skim over the body. The Met's description of the black version feels proper to