He's the fashion icon behind the styles of Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Nancy Reagan -- now about to celebrate his 82nd birthday, James Galanos is changing his career!
James Galanos is a legend in the fashion world. His client list is beyond impressive -- Diana Ross, Rosalind Russell, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Marilyn Monroe, and Nancy Reagan.
In the late '90's, Galanos left fashion behind to concentrate on photography. San Francisco's Serge Sorokko Gallery will launch the exhibition of James Galanos's photography work at a private reception scheduled for Thursday, September 21, 2006. "James Galanos: Photographs" will be on display to the public at the Gallery from September 21 through October 21, 2006.
About James Galanos: Galanos is widely considered to be the most important living American fashion designer. His career began in the early 1950s, and it was not long before he became the industry leader. Galanos received every significant fashion award and accolade until his retirement in 1998. The Coty Fashion Awards Hall of Fame and the Council of Fashion Designers of America Lifetime achievement Award are among his most celebrated achievements. In 1997, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosted a highly acclaimed solo exhibition of Galanos's designs. His fiercely loyal clients were the best dressed women of society, stage, and film -- and included such luminaries as Rosalind Russell, Diana Ross, and Nancy Reagan, among others. Galanos's designs are distinguished by precise and impeccable tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite hand-beading.
A multi-faceted artist, James Galanos has always been fascinated by photography. What began as a hobby soon turned into a passionate pursuit. The "James Galanos: Photographs" will feature more than 40 color photographs taken by the artist over the last several years. The works are mainly abstract, with the notable exception of several mystical, mirror-effect enigmatic landscapes. Much like his fashion designs, his photography revolves around material, shape, and color. The subjects are crafted by Galanos out of paper or fabric and then photographed in evocative light, creating subtle variations of tone and shading. The images on exhibit are bold and powerful, yet also inimitably refined and delicate - ultimately leaving much room for reflection and interpretation.