Galanos Sable Coat, c.1980

Galanos

James Galanos (1924-2016) was the only son of Greek born parents. In 1944, he became a general assistant at the New York East 49th Street emporium of Hattie Carnegie. Galanos was known for using the finest materials and impeccable construction, often called the ‘American Couturier’. With a career that spanned five decades, he dressed Hollywood stars, royalty, and political figures of the day.

Galanos furs in the 1980s were considered to be a symbol of extreme status and wealth. In Fredrick Wiseman's 1983 documentary The Store, Galanos is said to be one of the finest fur designers in the world, his fur creations retailed for tens of thousands of dollars at the time. Galanos often worked with sable. Sable fur perhaps the most luxurious fur in the world and was once reserved for the Russian royal family.

Natural sable fur coat with enlarged peak lapel collar, long sleeves, inseam side pockets, and center front hook and eye closure with a brown silk psychedelic floral lining.
Straight coat with long
Label: Galanos
Retail Label: Bonwit Teller

Size Label: Not sized

Style/Serial No.: Not labeled

Approximate Measurements:

Shoulders: 21"

Chest: 42"

Waist: 50"

Hips: 56"

Length (high shoulder point to hem): 41"

Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 34"

This lot is located in Chicago.

Condition:

The overall condition is good. The sable fur is supple. The lining is loose at the bottom and shows where the pelts have been re-backed to cover from where a pervious backing had failed.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

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Galanos Sable Coat, c.1980

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