Drexel’s Robert and Penny Fox Historic Costume Collection is the new home for a collection of more than 700 couture-level ensembles by designer James G. Galanos, dubbed by The New York Times the “master of chiffon.” In his heyday in the ’50s and ’60s, Galanos dressed a veritable “who’s who” of fashion, from Hollywood royalty (Rosalind Russell, Marilyn Monroe) to the social elite (Betsy Bloomingdale, Leonore Annenberg, Iris Cantor). He was known for fine materials, impeccable garment construction and most famously for designing inauguration gowns for former First Lady Nancy Reagan. An undisputed master of 20th-century fashion, Galanos’ career spanned five decades and earned him countless industry accolades.
The gift from the James G. Galanos Foundation will form the James G. Galanos Archive, a repository for the designer’s work that will provide students, scholars and the greater public unparalleled access to the Galanos legacy.
This gift came on the heels of a $2 million pledge from the collection’s namesakes, Robert and Penny Fox, earlier last year. The gift was pledged toward the establishment of a Center for Historic Costume Exhibition and Research, which will include a permanent gallery to display items from the collection.