1925-
Fashion Designer

Luxury, Endurance.

James Galanos, known as "Jimmy," is considered one of the finest American designers working today. Galanos's clothes are known for their luxurious quality, flawless crafting, and imported fabrics. He prides himself on creating clothes that endure: "I have women tell me that they still wear dresses that are fifteen, twenty years old. Women who wear my clothes year after year wait for me." Galanos sells his expensive lines in specialty shops around the world, making personal appearances with his assistant and their stainless steel standup trunks to show gowns that range from $1,500 to $15,000; these appearances can result in $500,000 in sales. His clients include Diana Ross and Nancy Reagan.

Galanos and Nancy Reagan.

Although Galanos had been well known in the fashion world since the 1950s, his name became more familiar when Nancy Reagan became first lady. His elegant, elaborately made clothes...