Galvanise (verb). 1. To shock or excite into action 2. To coat with a protective layer.
The metallic liquid finishes and powerknit scallop edge two pieces are apt symbols of Galvan’s get zhuzhed ethos that first entered into the brainstorming blender nearly ten years ago. The four founders Katherine Holmgren (then at the Serpentine), Christie’s Carolyn Hodler (at Christie's) model Sola Harrison and designer Anna-Christin Haas bridged their American, Swiss, Icelandic and German backgrounds to try and nail a fresh (and useful) take on dress up.
Back then, choices spanned voluminous gowns and sleek tuxedos but there was little in that sexy, simple in between. They launched with a snazzy, fuss free take with sequinned jackets and sinewy column dresses that spoke of pared back glamour as opposed to giddy trends or romanticised clichés. And over the years, Haas and team have evolved their lexicon, customer base and sustainability smarts. This February, Galvan, shifted from Notting Hill to open a Bond Street store - a minimalist boutique decorated in glass and chrome with bold abstract sculptures and furniture pieces by Charles Bals, Haas’ husband. It’s the sister to the NYC flagship.
Galvan London Flagship
@galvanlondon // Instagram
"For this collection, I wanted to build on this notion of fluidity and pushing boundaries... we engineered miniature versions of Kwade's silver bugle sculptures into our knitwear, blending art and design in new ways."
Anna-Christin Haas
Today, the focus is day/night designs that span double breasted blazer suits in buttermilk yellow, velvet jumpsuits and cardigan dresses. Try the silken stretch Atalanta Dress with a fluted hem (from pre consumer recycled yarns) or the Sienna floor length halter style in conscious Triacetate. Plus there’s a new all white Bridal collection with below the knee hemlines (that will please the pastor at a church wedding), bias cuts and serpentine silhouettes which are a seductive proposition in this pared back era of luxury. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Kitty Su, Margot Robbie and Lily James are amongst the clan of fans.
Galvan also has cross cultural kudos. It collaborated with Berlin-based installation designer Alicja Kwade with her molten sculptural work inspiring the Luna Top’s kaleidoscopic mirrored beadwork and the luminous, sequined Adela maxi dress.
“Our evening staples always come out of your suitcase looking perfect,” promise the gang which leaves all the more glorious time for preening.
