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"Born in Chicago, Mr. Galvani graduated fifth in his high school class and received a scholarship to the University of Chicago, where he graduated with honors in 1933.
He had a 20-year career in the garment industry in Chicago – rising from assistant comptroller to vice president of Reliance Manufacturing Co. – before moving to Dallas in 1953.
Mr. Galvani was recruited to be executive vice president of Justin McCarty Inc. in Dallas. Two years later, he purchased Donovan Manufacturing Co., which he renamed Donovan-Galvani of Dallas.
Mr. Galvani's son said his father liked the potential of the Dallas garment company, whose owner had lost the fire to succeed in the competitive business. Mr. Galvani used all his assets except his home and his life insurance policy to buy the company.
He started marketing the firm's garments to small-town dress shops, a change that helped make the business profitable the first year under his leadership. He also shared his success with his employees by introducing profit-sharing and a pension plan. He promoted his garments as
" 'Champagne styling at working-girl prices.' "
My dad had a contract cutting service for Donovan-Galvani. Was looking for dresses he cut. My uncle was a pattern maker for Galvani for 40 + years. My grandmother was a fashion designer for Nardis and Galvani and had her own label " Juanita's of Dallas" if you run across one of her designs please let me know!
ReplyDeleteCharlee
Hi Charlee-
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response and for sharing your family History~ It's always interesting to learn more about the individuals behind the labels and appreciate your sharing. If I should come across the "Janita's of Dallas" Label, I will be happy to inform you. The Blouse with the Donovan-Galvani Label found a home in Australia I believe.
Best Wishes~
Joy @ FC
I have an Etsy store and am just listing a Donovan-Galvani dress with matching triangular shoulder wrap. I found your blog looking for label information.
ReplyDeletewww.vintageweartreasures.etsy.com
My Dad was the head of production for Donavan Galvani for many years!!!
ReplyDeleteHis name was Leslie Coke Gillespie!
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