A centennial tribute to James Galanos, the ‘Dior of America’, is showing at Workzones in the Paseo Nuevo Mall on Thursday, June 6, from 5 – 8 pm, as part of this year’s Santa Barbara Art Walk. Marilyn is among the celebrities mentioned in the event description, although her original dress is not part of the display. Hosted by Couture Pattern Museum, this free exhibition features recreations of his designs made from original dress patterns alongside vintage memorabilia.
“See gorgeous, identical dresses in the MET Museum and Philadelphia Museum of Art’s permanent collection from the 1950s. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view original photographs, press photos, dresses, counterbooks, and patterns dating back to 1956, offering a rare glimpse into the history of American high fashion. In addition to these historical pieces, we are thrilled to present four meticulously reconstructed costumes, crafted right here in Santa Barbara. These pieces not only pay homage to Galanos’s timeless designs but also highlight local talent and craftsmanship.
See dresses on Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly, and photos of the four inaugural gowns worn by Nancy Reagan. As part of our commitment to innovation in fashion, the event will introduce new fashion technology currently being taught at renowned institutions such as Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology.”
Born in Philadelphia in 1924, Galanos worked as a sketch artist for Hollywood costumer Jean Louis at Columbia during the 1940s, before opening his own company in 1952. His designs were sold in department stores including Bergdorf Goodman in New York, where Marilyn purchased a custom-made dress in 1956.
This black wool crepe cocktail dress, featuring a bare midriff with chiffon overlay, caused a sensation when Marilyn wore it at a press conference in London’s Savoy Hotel, with the Queen’s dressmaker Norman Hartnell taking inspiration from Galanos for his next collection. The dress was sold for $74,000 at Christie’s in 1999.
The Marilyn Report 