John Galliano
Known for introducing rich theatricality and memorable fashion spectacles to the runway, John Galliano has enjoyed a singular career. The audacious British designer has garnered universal acclaim for genre-breaking collections not only at his eponymous label but also for Givenchy and Christian Dior.
From his embroidered absinthe-green Oscars gown for actress Nicole Kidman to the iconic sleeveless newspaper-print dress that Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw made famous, Galliano’s intricate and multifaceted work is reliably newsworthy, drawing on history as often as it embodies a fresh and forward-looking sensibility, and over the years the designer has helped shape an ever-broadening new legion of enthusiasts for Parisian couture.
Born in Gibraltar but raised in South London by strict Roman Catholic working-class parents, Galliano attended the all-boys Church of England grammar school, where his flamboyance and interest in art attracted the attention of bullies. Eventually, Galliano ended up at the prestigious design and art school Central Saint Martins College (then called Saint Martin’s School of Art), where fellow British designers Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen also trained.
Galliano flourished at Central Saint Martins. While a student, he worked in the costume department at the National Theatre in London. His graduate collection in 1984, dubbed “Les Incroyables” and named for post–French Revolution fashion lovers, was modeled by close friends of his and earned a standing ovation. The line ended up in the storefront windows of London luxury boutique Brown’s on South Molton Street, and Galliano’s first official collection — after he graduated — debuted at Paris Fashion Week in 1989.
In the early 1990s, Galliano’s relationship with his financial backer, Plein Sud’s Faycal Amor, ended, and by 1994, he was broke and sleeping on the floor of a friend’s apartment. Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and then-Vanity Fair editor André Leon Talley stepped in and introduced the budding designer to Portuguese socialite and fashion patron São Schlumberger and others. At Schlumberger’s Hôtel Particulier, Galliano’s shows became the stuff of fashion legend. His collection, a blend of Japanese modernist style as well as nostalgia for Art Deco and 1940s’ tailoring, earned raves in glossy magazines and garnered the attention of Princess Diana, Madonna and other fashion luminaries.
Once the Galliano name was well known among the world’s most stylish set, the chairperson of LVMH, Bernard Arnault, appointed Galliano head designer of French fashion house Givenchy. One year later, in 1996, LVMH moved him to the design team at Dior, where he produced scores of celebrated looks for Dior Haute Couture. Today, Galliano is the creative director of Maison Margiela.
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1990s French John Galliano
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John Galliano fashion for sale on 1stDibs.
Designers Similar to John Galliano
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022You can find John Galliano shoes in a variety of high-end department stores, as well as at their retail partners, both in brick-and-mortar stores and online. Browse a range of authentic John Galliano shoes from top boutiques around the world on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The creative director for the John Galliano line is Bill Gaytten, a British designer who took over the company after John Galliano. He previously worked as an assistant to Galliano. Shop a collection of John Gallinao pieces from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is John Galliano's style?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023John Galliano doesn't tend to work in one particular style. The audacious British designer has garnered universal acclaim for genre-breaking collections not only at his eponymous label but also for Givenchy and Christian Dior. His shows became the stuff of fashion legend. His collection, a blend of Japanese modernist style as well as nostalgia for Art Deco and 1940s tailoring, earned raves in glossy magazines and garnered the attention of Princess Diana, Madonna and other fashion luminaries. Shop a collection of John Galliano pieces from some of the world's top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022John Galliano is a fashion designer who is known both for his ready-to-wear collections and haute couture. This British fashion icon has designed for such well-known fashion houses as Christian Dior, Givenchy and Maison Margiela. Shop a collection of properly vetted Galliano garments from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.