Evening ensemble

Evelyn Byrnes|James Galanos

ca. 1980 · wool · Costume Institute

From an early age, James Galanos knew he was destined to be a fashion designer. Unlike his peers, he chose to build his career in Los Angeles, rather than New York's Seventh Avenue. He is recognized for his exquisite ready-to-wear pieces that are characteristically couture, as they are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. With his extreme attention to detail and talent with luxurious fabrics, most notably silk chiffon, he created masterpieces worn by ladies of society, actresses, and former presidential lady, Nancy Reagan. This evening ensemble is an interesting juxtaposition in the use of blanket plaid, traditionally for casual wear, for evening wear. The plaids of the jacket are meticulously matched, showing the amount of detail taken while creating this garment, and the cream wool sheath, though simple in silhouette, is finely finished. The combination of both pieces, complement each other, making it a handsome evening ensemble.

Artist

Evelyn Byrnes|James Galanos

Date

ca. 1980

Medium

wool

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Alexandra A. Herzan from the Collection of Lily Auchincloss, 1996