Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11

Fabulous Vintage Galanos Polka Dot Silk Pleated Belted Dress, 1980s

$1,320
$1,65020% Off
£1,007.93
£1,259.9120% Off
€1,147.56
€1,434.4520% Off
CA$1,853.49
CA$2,316.8620% Off
A$2,026.23
A$2,532.7820% Off
CHF 1,071.96
CHF 1,339.9620% Off
MX$24,247.05
MX$30,308.8120% Off
NOK 13,639.21
NOK 17,049.0120% Off
SEK 12,485.32
SEK 15,606.6520% Off
DKK 8,571.57
DKK 10,714.4620% Off

About the Item

Prolific designer James Galanos is known for his luxurious ready-to-wear collections that were crafted to couture standards. Galanos oversaw every detail of his work, even traveling to Europe to source the best fabrics and unique buttons for his designs. He launched his first label, Galanos Originals, in 1951, and was the youngest designer to win the prestigious Coty Award in 1954. His masterful work with chiffon marked the beginning of an astoundingly successful career, opening the way for Galanos to design for socialites and stars such as Judy Garland, Rosalind Russel, Grace Kelly, and First Lady Nancy Reagan. One of the first designers to be honored on the Fashion Walk of Fame in New York City, Galanos’s work is held at major museums worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum. From the 1980’s, this beautifully made dress is a fine example of Galanos’s work. Done in silk, the dress features a colorful polka dot print in shades of purple, red, amber, and turquoise on top of an abstract black and white ground. The mesmerizing print is further enhanced by the dynamic horizontal and vertical pleats that make up the body of dress, creating a pleasing rhythm throughout. Size estimate: SML/MED Measurements: Shoulders: 14 inches Sleeves: 24 inches Bust: up to 36 inches Waist: 28 inches (can cinch smaller if needed with belt) Hips: 36 inches Length: 38.5 inches The layered, pleated bodice begins with a bateau neckline and long puff sleeves that reach just above the wrist. Visible black stitching along the rows of pleats adds an element of subtle elegance that further emphasizes the lines of the body. An accompanying belt of the same fabric may be worn cinched at the waist for extra definition, giving this dress a more formal feel. The double layer, knife-pleated skirt creates a playful sense of movement, falling from a flattering drop waist which serves to elongate the torso. The hem of the bottom layer of the skirt grazes the knees to create a youthful, classic silhouette that has all the hallmarks of a fabulous 80’s dress. A playful addition to the discerning fashion lover’s wardrobe, this dress is the perfect choice for a cocktail party or special occasion. This Galanos dress is fully lined in black silk chiffon and has button closures at the cuffs and a concealed back zip. The matching silk belt is backed in leather and has a fully adjustable side closure. In excellent condition, this 1980’s dress has been professionally eco dry cleaned and pressed. High quality vintage pieces like this are yours to live in and love while increasing in value every year. It’s never too soon to start collecting them, as an investment in your wardrobe—and in yourself.
  • Designer:
  • Brand:
  • Dimensions:
    Length: 38.5 in (97.79 cm)Marked Size: SML/MED (US)Bust: 36 in (91.44 cm)Waist: 28 in (71.12 cm)Hip: 36 in (91.44 cm)
  • Period:
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Boca Raton, FL
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU73015036652

More From This Seller

View All
Galanos Floral Dot print Billow Sleeve Cut-Out Silk Cocktail Dress, 1970s
By Galanos
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This is a stunning creation from James Galanos circa 1970. Done in an airy silk chiffon with a pattern of black dots, and playful florals in red, green and blue. From the round ne...
Category

1970s American Day Dresses

Galanos Red Polka Dot Lucite Belted Silk Maxi Dress, 1970s
By James Galanos, Galanos
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Considered an iconic and avant-garde designer of American fashion, James Galanos is known for his elegant ready-to-wear designs that were crafted to couture standards. He notably opened his fashion house in Los Angeles in 1951, and his designs have been worn by socialites and stars, including Judy Garland, Nancy Reagan, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe. Often ahead of his time, Galanos introduced below-the-knee dresses alongside pants and jumpsuits in his 1970’s...
Category

1970s American Evening Dresses and Gowns

Courrèges Black Metallic Polka Dot Layered Maxi Dress, 1970s
By Courrèges
Located in Boca Raton, FL
André Courrèges was a visionary of youthful and innovative designs. While known for his quirky space-age fashions, his later work offered a blend between unconventional fabrics and c...
Category

1970s French Evening Dresses and Gowns

James Galanos Couture Beaded Floral Silk Mini Dress
By James Galanos, Galanos
Located in Boca Raton, FL
James Galanos is often a hidden gem of fashion. With his designs ranging from eccentric to presidential, Galanos’ work played a tremendous role in carving out the concept of American...
Category

1980s Evening Dresses and Gowns

Yves Saint Laurent YSL Cotton Print Flamenco Dress, 1970s
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Making classically luxurious designs easy to wear as a casual look embodied the Rive Gauche philosophy. A pioneer in the world of ready-to-wear, YSL intended to design for the everyd...
Category

1970s French Day Dresses

Divine 1970s Jean Muir Pleated Chiffon Ivory Black Dots Layered dress
By Jean Muir
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The self-taught Jean Muir made her name in the 1960s, creating a reputation for exquisitely tailored timeless, feminine clothing. Having previously worked as a designer for the famous textile house, Liberty of London, Muir’s designs are extremely fluid and often incorporate simple jersey or suede fabrics with small craft details throughout. Of her work, Muir has noted that she is more concerned with the process of engineering garments to make “beautiful shapes” rather than designing clothes. Her pieces are held in museums worldwide and she has been hailed as the greatest dressmaker in the world, in a league with Madame Grès, Chanel, and Vionnet. Done in an ivory chiffon featuring a print of large and small black polka dots, this divine Jean Muir dress is effortless and regal at once. The gathered bodice begins with a high square neckline and layered sheer angel sleeves. The knife-pleated chiffon creates a pleasing rhythm throughout, adding another dimension to the layered flounces of the skirt and fluttering elbow-length sleeves. The skirt falls from a high fitted waist to a maxi length just above the ankles, creating a classic, elegant silhouette, while decorative black stitching at the neckline and waist adds a note of refined elegance. Size estimate: SML/MED Measurements: Bust: 34 inches Waist: 28 inches Hips: up to 38 inches Length: 54 inches From the bust waistline, a layer of chiffon creates a long, knee-length flounce, bringing a fullness to the otherwise columnar structure of the dress. The hems of the sleeves and both layers of the skirt are edged in black silk, adding a nice contrast of texture along with striking pop of color. An excellent choice for a wedding or special occasion, this Jean Muir dress has stunning proportions and can easily be worn as a day-to-night look. This vintage Jean Muir dress...
Category

1970s British Evening Dresses and Gowns

You May Also Like

Arnold Scaasi Vintage Silk Blend Polka Dot + Scroll Print Dress + Leather Belt
By Arnold Scaasi
Located in Sparks, NV
Vibrant polka dot and scroll printed dress by Arnold Scaasi with matching leather backed belt. Fully lined with rear zip closure and zip closure on each cuff. Hidden side pockets. Th...
Category

1980s American Day Dresses

1980s Caroline Charles Silk Velvet Polka Dot Dress
By Caroline Charles
Located in London, GB
This late 1980s or early 1990s black velvet polka dot dress by Caroline Charles would make the perfect seasonal party piece! It features a wide boat neckline with purple silk contras...
Category

1980s British Evening Dresses

AKRIS Flamenco-Inspired Black / Creme-White Polka Dot Flounced Silk Dress, 1980s
By Albert Kriemler
Located in Munich, DE
Flamboyant 1980s signature polka dot design silk dress in black, creme-white and bright red by AKRIS of Switzerland. This knee-length dress is inspired by traditional Andalusian flam...
Category

1980s Swiss Formal Wear

Vintage Valentino cream and black silk polka dot chiffon dress 1980s
By Valentino Garavani, Valentino
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Valentino, Miss V cream and black silk chiffon polka dot dress...Next to Valentino "red", navy and off white polka dots are a recurring theme in many of Valentino's designs...The simplicity of this dress will take it from casual to dressy with the addition of accessories, half the fun of dressing! Bateau neckline dress...
Category

1990s Italian Day Dresses

Vintage Cristies Polka Dot Strapless Dress, 1980s
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful vintage 1980’s black and white strapless dress, timeless dress. Additional information: Material: Composition tag removed Size M-L...
Category

20th Century Italian Evening Dresses

Vintage Nina Ricci Couture 1980s Avant Garde Polka Dot Silk Taffeta Evening Gown
By Nina Ricci
Located in San Diego, CA
Sensational vintage 1980s NINA RICCI Couture for NEIMAN MARCUS polka dot Avant Garde silk taffeta sleeveless evening gown! Features a black and whit...
Category

1980s French Evening Gowns