Skip to main content

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.

to
5
2
3
1
408
30
19
16
11
5
5
3
1
Designer: John Galliano
Dealer: Marlene Wetherell Vintage Fashion
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

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 button and loop closure .
Category

Early 2000s 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, medi...
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

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 ...
Category

Late 20th Century French John Galliano

Related Items
Y2k Christian Dior Aw/2004 Kids Monogrammed Rasta Jacket 8 Years
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Sheffield, GB
Adorable childs version of the Iconic Autumn / Winter 2004 CHRISTIAN DIOR Rasta jacket, designed by John Galliano. Features; Long Sleeves Hip po...
Category

Early 2000s European John Galliano

Vintage John Galliano Silk Floral Print Pleated Dress French 36 - US 4
By John Galliano
Located in Montgomery, TX
Vintage John Galliano Silk Floral Print Pleated Dress French size 36 - US 4 2007 Collection 100% Silk dress and lining, Floral print, Pleated details, Empire waist, Fabric-covered bu...
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

Vintage 1999 Christian Dior by John Galliano Suede Lace Bias-Cut Gown and Jacket
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Breathtaking Christian Dior laser-cut suede and chantilly lace bias-cut gown with matching jacket that cost well over $30,000 when new. Dior is probably the best known name in high fashion since the late 1940's. This stunning Christian Dior documented runway dress ensemble from John Galliano's iconic 1999 fall-winter collection is a perfect example of why this couture house has stood the test of time. John Galliano is widely considered one of the most innovative and influential fashion designers of the early twenty-first century. He mingled his references in often surprising juxtapositions to create extravagant yet intricately engineered and meticulously tailored clothes. This gown is everything you look for in Galliano era Dior! I love the high quality light brown laser-cut suede mixed with the delicate ivory white chantily-lace. Such a chic nod to 1930's design. The seductive low-cut plunge bodice has a lingerie vibe that I find irresistible. The flattering bias-cut shape flows into a stunning skirting flounce. This construction emphasizes a woman's seductive shape without adding any bulk or volume to the actual hips. The matching blazer is a statement piece in it's own right. Love those lean, long sleeves and nipped waist. This is the type of look you will reach for anytime you want to be noticed. A rare wearable piece of fashion history. Measurements Gown (marked a EU 40) Bust: 34-36 inches Waist: 26-28 inches Hips: up to 38 inches Total Length: 62 inches Jacket (marked a EU 36) Bust: 34-36 inches Waist: 28 inches Sleeve Length: 23 inches Total Length: 21 inches This 1999 documented runway Christian Dior by...
Category

1990s French John Galliano

F/W 2006 John Galliano Sheer Silver Knit Bodycon High Slit Maxi Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: F/W 2006 John Galliano CONDITION: Good- 1 tiny minor pull- please see last photo MATERIAL: Viscose & Nylon COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: M runs small w stretch MEASUREMENTS; pr...
Category

Early 2000s Italian John Galliano

F/W 2001 John Galliano Sheer Black Lace Brown Silk Ribbon Details Gown Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Yukon, OK
Designer: F/W 2001 John Galliano- label removed- 100% authentic Condition: no flaws- just missing label and tags Fabric: Unknown- lace with some give Country: France Size: Unknown- p...
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

Vintage F/W 1995 John Galliano Runway 'Delores' Pin-Up Black Crepe Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: F/W 1995 John Galliano Runway CONDITION: Good FABRIC: Wool lined in silk COUNTRY MADE: France SIZE: Tag removed MEASUREMENTS; provided as a courtesy only- not a guarantee o...
Category

1990s French John Galliano

Vintage S/S 1995 John Galliano Black Satin Star High Slit Lace Gown Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 1995 John Galliano CONDITION: Good- No flaws FABRIC: Acetate & Rayon COUNTRY MADE: France SIZE: 40/8 MEASUREMENTS; provided as a courtesy only- not a guarantee of fit:...
Category

1990s French John Galliano

S/S 1998 John Galliano Runway Black & Gold Ultra Plunging Mermaid Gown Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: S/S 1998 John Galliano CONDITION: Good- no flaws- no label on jacket FABRIC: Viscose & Nylon COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: S MEASUREMENTS; provided as a courtesy only- not a gu...
Category

1990s Italian John Galliano

2001 John Galliano Sheer Black Knit Sleeveless High Neck Long Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Yukon, OK
DESIGNER: 2001 John Galliano CONDITION: Good- No flaws! FABRIC: Rayon COUNTRY MADE: Italy SIZE: S MEASUREMENTS; provided as a courtesy only- not a guarantee of fit: Chest: 28-37", Wa...
Category

Early 2000s Italian John Galliano

Black see-through silk chiffon dress with embroideries John Galliano
By John Galliano
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black see-through silk chiffon dress with embroideries. Zip on the left side. Authentification hologram. Fabric composition: rayon and polyester. SIZE 42 (It) 38 (Fr) M
Category

2010s Indian John Galliano

Christian Dior by John Galliano Perforated Leather Ruffle Trim Cocktail Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Cloverdale, CA
Christian Dior by John Galliano Perforated Leather Ruffle Trim Cocktail Dress. Wool, silk cashmere blend sleeveless cocktail dress. Size 40 , US 8 Bust 34" Waist 28" Hips 38" Lengt...
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

John Galliano black knitted wool cardigan with silver tinsel embroidery, ss 2003
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ John Galliano black knitted wool cardigan ▪ Sold by One of a Kind Archive ▪ Spring-Summer 2003 ▪ Silver tinsel embroidery in a floral motif ▪ Large asymmetric collar ▪ Self-fabr...
Category

Early 2000s French John Galliano

Previously Available Items
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.
Category

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 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" ...
Category

Early 2000s French 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 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 Fitted Dress With Frayed Detail
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, fitted, simple wool, sleeveless sheath dress having horizontal, frayed edge detail. Lined in silk chameuse.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French John Galliano

John Galliano Crepe and Satin Gown With Feather Detail
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
John Galliano, silk crepe, bias cut gown with satin asymmetric appliques. Dress has thin straps with sculpted 3 dimensional flowers randomly placed having coq feather detail.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French John Galliano

John Galliano fashion for sale on 1stDibs

1stDibs offers an extraordinary range of authentic John Galliano fashion. 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 red, pink, blue and other tones. Most of the items here were designed during the 20th Century, but you can find examples that were created as recently as the 21st Century and Contemporary. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Bill Blass, Tom Ford for Gucci and Vivienne Westwood appealing. On 1stDibs, find designer, vintage and haute couture fashion from top boutiques around the world. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at US$135 and tops out at US$175,000, while the average work can sell for US$2,808.
Questions About John Galliano
  • 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.
  • 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 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.

Recently Viewed

View More