GALANOS, JAMES

(1927- )

Born in Philadelphia, Galanos is an American designer respected worldwide as a truecouturier. A perfectionist in regard to workmanship, Galanos received his formal design education at the Traphagen School of Design in New York City and studied for a year in Paris at the house of Piguet. He opened his own business in Los Angeles in 1951 and was the recipient of numerous design awards. Galanos's designs are represented in permanent collections throughout the United States. Nancy Reagan, the former first lady of the United States, often wore Galanos gowns at formal functions.