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John Galliano

British, b. 1960

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.

Shop vintage John Galliano evening dresses and gowns, handbags, jackets and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.

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Designer: John Galliano
Dealer: Marlene Wetherell Vintage Fashion
John Galliano Pleated Silk Georgette Cocktail Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, sleeveless, layered, silk georgette, cocktail dress having a V neckline, with "Madame Grès" pleated detail at the bodice. Side, self butt...
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

John Galliano Chiffon Tee Shirt Dress With Paiettes
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, green chiffon tee shirt dress, encrusted with large paliettes that go from dark green to lighter green in the same tonal range. Dress has...
Category

Late 20th Century French John Galliano

John Galliano Fitted Grid Pattern Wool Coat
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, black and ivory, fitted wool coat, having a grid pattern in an ivory tone mohair on a black wool ground. Coat details include, medium ...
Category

1990s French John Galliano

John Galliano Jersey Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, black and ivory jersey, deep V neck, dress having an ivory and navy blue print on half of the dress and a solid black on the other half. Bodice and waist have draping ...
Category

Early 2000s Italian John Galliano

Related Items
Christian Dior by John Galliano Rare Spring Summer 2004 Floral & Lace Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Berlin, BE
Christian Dior by John Galliano Spring Summer 2004 rare floral and lace inset bodycon dress Brand: Christian Dior Designer: John Galliano Collection: Spring Summer 2004 Fabric: Viscose 83%, Silk 77%, Polyester 17%, Elastane 23% Color: Black with pink and green floral details Size: FR36 This rare Galliano for Christian Dior dress is made from a figure hugging stretch viscose. It features features a V neckline which is mirrored at at the back of the dress. Floral silk and eyelash lace insets form inverted V shapes at the front that turn into V shapes at the back add unique details to this special piece. So flattering and feminine. The hem is constructed from four separate fabrics creating beautiful textured details. Such a rare and unique piece, which is made of the highest quality. Size Information: Marked FR36 Measured un-stretched and flat: Shoulders open Bust 38cm Waist 35.5cm Hips 39 cm Total length Approx 125cm Please note this Christian Dior by Galliano dress...
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Early 2000s French John Galliano

Beaded Black Silk Flapper Dress
Located in Sharon, CT
Silk 'Flapper' dress of the period with a drop waist design. Interior attached silk slip.
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1920s American John Galliano

Vintage Black Astrakhan Fur Coat Long Women 80s
Located in Brindisi, Bt
Elegant handcrafted coat in real black astrakhan fur, with a classic and refined cut. Soft to the touch and with a characteristic texture that adds a touch of luxury. It has a hidden...
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1980s Italian John Galliano

Giorgio Armani Black Cocktail Dress
By Giorgio Armani, Giorgio Armani Le Collezioni
Located in Sharon, CT
Petit, low neckline simple black 'cocktail' dress.
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21st Century and Contemporary Italian John Galliano

Chanel Black Silk Cocktail Dress
By Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Sharon, CT
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel designed 'little black dress' with black & white spaghetti straps. Lagerfeld continues Chanel's technique of crisscross piecing as a structural device. Met...
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Early 2000s French John Galliano

Vintage 2000’s YSL Rive Gauche by Tom Ford ruched silk chiffon evening dress
By Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in COLLINGWOOD, AU
Stunning early 2000’s Yve Saint Laurent YSL Rive Gauche by TOM FORD ruched silk chiffon long sleeved evening dress with full corseted bodice ...
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Early 2000s French John Galliano

Lanvin Style Embroidered Deco Silk Crepe Black Dress
Located in Sharon, CT
An unlabeled deco period black silk crepe dress, geometrically embroidered with silver threads, green plastic squares and faux diamonds, in the style of Lanvin. A museum piece (we...
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1920s French John Galliano

Thierry Mugler FW 1991 Futuristic Mesh Insert Dress
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Praha 4, Hlavní město Praha
Iconic Thierry Mugler Mesh Insert Dress from Fall/Winter 1991 - 1992 Hiver Shiva Surrealiste Collection. The dress was photographed by Manfred Thierry Mugler himself for Hiver Shiva ...
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1990s French John Galliano

House of Worth Blue Silk Moire Reception Gown and Bonnet
By House of Worth
Located in Sharon, CT
In a Blue Silk Moire, a rare House of Worth circa 1875 Gown. Jacket Bodice: waist 20", length 21 (front), length 26" (back). Skirt: waist 25", length 42.5" (front), length 45" (back). Note: The gown is being offered without the train (bustle) that would have attached to the skirt. Includes a Bonnet (hat), French in matching blue silk c.1875. Possibly by Madame Virot. Gown and hat purchased together. Labeled Petersham 'C. Worth Paris...
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Late 19th Century French John Galliano

Verheyen London Legacy Stole in Garnet Burgundy Fox Fur with Belt
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Legacy Stole in Garnet Burgundy Fox Fur with Belt The Legacy Stole is Verheyen London’s versatile design to be worn from day to night. Crafted in the finest dyed fo...
Category

2010s Greek John Galliano

Versace 2011 Green Medusa Collection Bustier cocktail Dress
By Gianni Versace, Versace Collection
Located in Bilbao, ES
Versace 2011 Green Medusa Collection silk evening coktail dress with gold-tone Medusa embellishment at center bust, corset bustier bodice, a sweatheart...
Category

2010s Italian John Galliano

Emilio Pucci Iconic geometric flower pattern Cocktail Dress
By Emilio Pucci
Located in Bilbao, ES
Emilio Pucci Iconic geometric flower pattern Cocktail Dress This stunning Pucci Dress has the iconic pattern in colors of blue marine and baby blue and black and white. Size IT 42 ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian John Galliano

Previously Available Items
John Galliano Knit Cardigan with Flower Appliques
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, ivory, cashmere and silk knit, V neck cardigan having rhinestone button closures and decoration with large hand sewn, flower applique details at the shoulders and upp...
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

John Galliano Cashmere Coat Fall 2002
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, navy blue, cashmere coat, having a small shawl collar, fitted bodice that is slightly ruched, and a " tulip" shaped silhouette, where the coat is cut away from the wai...
Category

Early 2000s European John Galliano

Galliano TIe-Dye Suede Skirt with Hip Belt
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, neutral tones, tie dyed, suede, gored, skirt, having a belt at the lower hip..
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

Galliano Black and White Print Moto Jacket
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, off white and black, "bandana" print with hearts, fitted, biker style jacket, having a black industrial center zipper closure, pointed collar and a detachable self bel...
Category

1990s French John Galliano

John Galliano Fitted Blazer with Back Bustle Detail
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, brown, heather, wool flannel, fitted, blazer/jacket having a three button closure, narrow lapels, flap pockets, and a drawstring, ruched back detail inspired from a Victorian bustle.
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Early 2000s French John Galliano

John Galliano Fringed Mohair Blanket Coat
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, Charcoal grey and midnight blue, mohair blanket coat having fringed detail at the collar, cuffs, pockets, and hem. This coat is soft, having no structure, which can wr...
Category

1990s Italian John Galliano

John Galliano Bias Cut Evening Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, black, silk twill, bias cut evening gown, having cap sleeves, deep v neckline with an attached pleated silk chiffon scarf going down the center front. Dress has a long...
Category

Early 2000s Italian John Galliano

John Galliano Belted Coat with Zipper Detail
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, belted, wool coat , having leather detail at the neck, shoulder, center front and cuffs. Coat has no collar, with leather epaulettes. Zipper detail start at the bust d...
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

John Galliano Midnight Blue Satin Bias Cut Evening Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, satin back crepe, bias cut evening dress in a midnight blue. Neck is open with some cowling, front and back. There is "petal" det...
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

John Galliano Bias Cut Slip Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, simple, bias cut, chartreuse tone, slip, gown having a nude tone, tulle detail at the upper back.
Category

Early 2000s Italian John Galliano

John Galliano Early Collection Bias Cut Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
This dress is from Gallinao's early years as a designer, creating in London during the late 80's before he went to Paris. It has the signature, Galliano, bias cut silhouette, with ...
Category

1980s British John Galliano

Galliano Double Breasted Denim Striped Blazer
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
Galliano, cotton canvas, with a blue denim stripe, double breasted, fitted blazer having a red " gros grain" ribbon trim detail. Back has 2 vents, that are also trimmed in red gros g...
Category

1990s French John Galliano

John Galliano fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic John Galliano fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of blue, orange, pink and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of John Galliano for Christian Dior, Thierry Mugler, and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer John Galliano fashion from top boutiques around the world. John Galliano fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $108 and tops out at $175,500, while the average work can sell for $2,507.
Questions About John Galliano
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    John 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, 2022
    John 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    You 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.

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