James Galanos, considered one of America’s most elegant designers of the 20th Century, passed away on Sunday at the age of 92.
The CFDA member died of natural causes at his home in West Hollywood, California, according to WWD which announced his death on Sunday afternoon.
Among a handful of West Coast talents with international appeal, Galanos’ narrow silhouettes captured the essence of Hollywood elegance infused with the right glamour — the kind that existed before the red carpet became the marketing machine it is today.
He was not only a favorite of First Lady Nancy Reagan (she wore vintage Galanos to her first State Dinner), but also created glamorous looks for movie stars such as Rosalind Russell, Marlene Dietrich and Dorothy Lamour.
Born in Philadelphia to Greek parents, Galanos moved to New York to launch a career in fashion which took him from two fashion schools, to Hattie Carnegie, to Lawrence Lesavoy and Paris couturier Robert Piguet — the latter laying a foundation for a career rooted in couture.
He was also a quintessential gentleman — the kind that has become a rarity — and ladies of Los Angeles and beyond sought his creations and company. CFDA Founder Eleanor Lambert was just one of his fans.
Ralph Rucci was making a personal appearance at a trunk show at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills when he first encountered Galanos. “I remember hearing this voice saying, ‘I am here to meet this young man,’ and I thought, ‘Galanos. What an honor and pleasure.’” A lunch later, and the two designers became close friends. “We shared the same belief in rigor and striving for technique, cut and texture,” Rucci said. “I would seek his advice, but Jimmy was never a person to tell you what to do. He would suggest respectfully.”
Rucci recalled how Galanos was invited to show haute couture in France and chose not to. “He was very humble,” Rucci said. “Part of him felt that he already had enough on his plate.”
Galanos retired from fashion in the late 1980s to focus on art and photography.
“James Galanos was the quintessential American couturier,” said CFDA Chairwoman Diane von Furstenberg, adding that with his Greek heritage, “he brought mythology to American design.”
