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John Villa

Contributor

John Villa is the fashion specialist on 1stDibs’ Art and Design Research team, managing the curation and vetting of the marketplace’s fashion category. He holds a master’s degree in art history and visual culture from the University of Nottingham, but he now focuses on archival fashion history and the contemporary luxury market. Villa maintains an active presence on social media, where his fashion commentary and critiques have gained him more than 125,000 followers across TikTok and Youtube. In addition to his contributions to The Study, he also appears regularly on 1stDibs’s social media pages, presenting engaging video content on fashion history and trends. He is based in New York City.

This Lacy Roberto Cavalli Gown Is Spooky Chic

This Lacy Roberto Cavalli Gown Is Spooky Chic

The late designer was known for his theatrical glamour, and with its lace panels, striking color palette and open back, this dress delivers.
This ’90s Alexander McQueen Bumster Skirt Has a Surprising Detail

This ’90s Alexander McQueen Bumster Skirt Has a Surprising Detail

The designer combined his Savile Row training with his fascination with Victorian jewelry to create a most alluring piece.
How to Transition the Peekaboo-Bra Trend to Fall? With This Beaded Prada Coat

How to Transition the Peekaboo-Bra Trend to Fall? With This Beaded Prada Coat

This design from the Spring 2014 collection puts a cheeky twist on outerwear.
This Hermès Picnic Garden Party Bag Is Elegant and Errand-Friendly

This Hermès Picnic Garden Party Bag Is Elegant and Errand-Friendly

Does wicker get more high-end than this?
This Thierry Mugler Rainbow Number Is Joy in Jacket Form

This Thierry Mugler Rainbow Number Is Joy in Jacket Form

Streams of color flow over the visionary designer's sculptural piece.
This 1970s Pierre Cardin Dress Can Swing

This 1970s Pierre Cardin Dress Can Swing

The Space Age design is not meant for standing around.
This 1950s Pierre Balmain Gown Is an Haute Couture Gem

This 1950s Pierre Balmain Gown Is an Haute Couture Gem

Expertly embroidered and carefully constructed, it's a sparking example of the period's glamorous designs.
The Hermès Teddy Kelly Might Be Winter’s Most Covetable Bag

The Hermès Teddy Kelly Might Be Winter’s Most Covetable Bag

This suede-and-shearling version of the famous design debuted 20 years ago, during Jean-Paul Gaultier's tenure as creative director.
Gucci’s Anatomical Heart-Shaped Bag Is Surprisingly Romantic

Gucci’s Anatomical Heart-Shaped Bag Is Surprisingly Romantic

Created during Alessandro Michele's tenure at the brand, this sparkling, whimsical minaudière feels just right for a night out.
This Bonnie Cashin Coat Amps Up the Drama of Fall Dressing

This Bonnie Cashin Coat Amps Up the Drama of Fall Dressing

With its bold pattern and exaggerated sleeves, the vintage treasure is a true statement piece.
This Alexander McQueen Suit Has a Rocker Edge

This Alexander McQueen Suit Has a Rocker Edge

A striking tartan ensemble from the late designer’s celebrated (and controversial) Fall/Winter 2006 collection is equal parts tailored and punk.
Moschino’s Cheeky ’90s Survival Jacket Is Outfitted with Glam Essentials

Moschino’s Cheeky ’90s Survival Jacket Is Outfitted with Glam Essentials

The safari-inspired piece sports beauty tools for braving the urban jungle.
This Slinky Silk Dress, from Tom Ford’s Final Spring/Summer YSL Collection, Is a Standout

This Slinky Silk Dress, from Tom Ford’s Final Spring/Summer YSL Collection, Is a Standout

The designer had a legendary run at Gucci, but he also produced treasures for YSL.
Brat Green: Here’s How to Maintain a Summer Color Crush Past Labor Day

Brat Green: Here’s How to Maintain a Summer Color Crush Past Labor Day

As fresh as a bright squeeze of lime — and as polarizing as cilantro — the shade lends a burst of energy to an outfit or a room any time of year.
This Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton Prism Bag Is Highly Collectible — and Just Right for a Weekend Getaway

This Virgil Abloh for Louis Vuitton Prism Bag Is Highly Collectible — and Just Right for a Weekend Getaway

The late designer created an iridescent, irreverent take on the nearly century-old travel staple.
From a Wicker Hermès Birkin to a Raffia Chanel 2.55, These Woven Handbags Are Summer’s Most Exquisite Accessories

From a Wicker Hermès Birkin to a Raffia Chanel 2.55, These Woven Handbags Are Summer’s Most Exquisite Accessories

These warm-weather takes on classic silhouettes are just right for the season.
This Two-Piece Beaded Gown by Puerto Rican Designer David Fernandez Is the Embodiment of 1970s Glam

This Two-Piece Beaded Gown by Puerto Rican Designer David Fernandez Is the Embodiment of 1970s Glam

On the Met Gala red carpet, this vintage ensemble would bring the heat.
From the Runway to Rihanna, These Chanel Pearl Sunglasses Are the Peak of ’90s Chic

From the Runway to Rihanna, These Chanel Pearl Sunglasses Are the Peak of ’90s Chic

This cheeky accessory is seriously fun.
Ready for a Cinderella Moment? This Glass Handbag Is a Perfect Fit

Ready for a Cinderella Moment? This Glass Handbag Is a Perfect Fit

Glass slippers might be the stuff of fairytales, but glass handbags? Artist Joshua Raiffe has made them a reality, and they're far less delicate than you might imagine, but just as dreamy.
This Red-Sequined Stunner Proves That No One Bedazzles a Gown Like Bob Mackie

This Red-Sequined Stunner Proves That No One Bedazzles a Gown Like Bob Mackie

The designer, who has created looks for style icons like Cher and Barbie, knows how to make a statement dress.
The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic

The Hermès Passe-Guide Bag Might Not Be as Well Known as the Birkin or Kelly, But It’s Every Bit as Chic

Find out why this under-the-radar piece is so exceptional.
This Red Velvet ’90s Thierry Mugler Blazer Is Ready to Party

This Red Velvet ’90s Thierry Mugler Blazer Is Ready to Party

The late French designer was known for his stunning silhouettes, and this piece brings the drama.
Carrie Bradshaw Would Approve of This Pierpaolo Piccioli for Moncler Puffer Ball Gown

Carrie Bradshaw Would Approve of This Pierpaolo Piccioli for Moncler Puffer Ball Gown

An ensemble appropriate for the Met Gala or trudging through a blizzard? This is it.
This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’

This Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen Ensemble Is Part Zsa Zsa Gabor, Part ‘Blade Runner’

As Burton steps away from the brand, it’s a fitting time to revisit one of her visionary designs.
Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress

Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.
McQueen, Gucci, Versace and More Crowd the Virtual Closet for the Fifth-Main Auction

McQueen, Gucci, Versace and More Crowd the Virtual Closet for the Fifth-Main Auction

The team behind the designer-fashion dealer shares the pieces they’re most excited about.