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.
John Galliano Paris Pink Enamel Metal and Straw Daisy Brooch
By John Galliano
Located in Atlanta, GA
This superb John Galliano Paris brooch features an oversized, dimensional daisy-shaped flower in hot pink enameled metal, contrasted with a genuine straw marquetry insert. The pin ha...
Jean Schlumberger, Tiffany & Co. Peridot and Ruby Thistle Brooch
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boston, MA
This late 20th century pin is comprised of full cut green peridots, and red rubys set in 18kt yellow gold in this whimsically classic floral thistle themed design. This pin measures ...
Peridot, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$2,650
W 1.25 in L 1.25 in
Antique Victorian Natural Amethyst & Seeded Pearl Brooch in 14KT Filigree Gold
Located in Milford, DE
A dainty Victorian brooch for the most elegant woman! A single prong-set faceted amethyst is surrounded by natural seeded pearls in round bezels. All set in a 14KT gold round filigree setting, accented with a bow motif. Made c. early 1900s. This Victorian accessory...
Amethyst, Pearl, 14k Gold
Imperial Green Jade and Diamond Cross Pendant by Dilys'
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Giving the traditional cross symbol an oriental reincarnation, the House of Dilys' is proud to present this sensational 18K White Gold pendant, adorned with 17 Imperial Green Jade...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Silver and Onyx Broach
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Deco silver Broach set with a large onyx in the middle and marcasites, English ca 1930's One marcasite is missing, see pictures
Marcasite, Onyx, Silver
Vintage Brooch from ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION Gold with Peridot Green Tourmal
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Jade Brooch From ANGELETTI PRIVATE COLLECTION White and Yellow gold 18kt with Diamonds and Rubies. This Brooch was Manufactured in ‘60s in...
Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Fancy Colour & White Diamond Cross Brooch and Pendant by Dilys'
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite brooch and pendant is the type of graceful yet fearless piece that evokes envy. This one-of-a-kind relic-inspired piece is set with 57 White Collection Grade Round Dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
A Rare Alexis Falize Antique Gold and Cloisonné Enamel Locket, Circa 1867
By Falize
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare Alexis Falize Antique Gold and Cloisonné Enamel Locket, Circa 1867 This exquisite oval-shaped locket, crafted circa 1869, epitomizes the fusion of French artistry and Japanese aesthetic that characterized Alexis Falize's work during the late 19th century. The obverse features a meticulously rendered cloisonné enamel scene of a bird perched gracefully on a branch, while the reverse presents a serene landscape, showcasing Falize's mastery of the cloisonné technique and his deep appreciation for Japanese motifs. The locket is housed in its original Japanese silk box, reflecting the authenticity and preservation of this remarkable piece. Falize, a distinguished Parisian jeweler (1811–1898), was profoundly influenced by Japanese and Chinese art, integrating Oriental motifs and palettes into his creations. This fascination was part of the broader Japonisme movement that swept through Europe following Japan's opening to Western trade in 1854, introducing Japanese decorative arts to a captivated Western audience. Employing the cloisonné enamel technique—a method prevalent in traditional Japanese and Chinese metalwork—Falize delineated intricate designs using fine metal wires to create compartments (cloisons), which were then filled with vibrant enamels. This locket exemplifies such craftsmanship, with its vivid colors and precise detailing. Notably, Falize collaborated with esteemed enameller Antoine Tard, renowned for his Oriental-style cloisonné enamels. Tard's exceptional skill earned him accolades, including a gold collaborator’s medal at the 1867 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Their partnership produced some of the most celebrated cloisonné jewels of the era. Comparable works by Falize are held in prestigious institutions worldwide. The British Museum houses a gold locket adorned with cloisonné enamel by Falize, highlighting the significance of his work in their collection. The Metropolitan Museum of Art features a reversible brooch attributed to Falize, further exemplifying his expertise in cloisonné enamel. Additionally, the Cleveland Museum of Art acquired a similar cloisonné locket marked by Falize, underscoring the widespread recognition of his craftsmanship. The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Schmuckmuseum in Pforzheim also include Falize's cloisonné enamelled lockets in their collections, attesting to the enduring legacy of his work. In the realm of private collections, Wartski London has featured rare cloisonné...
Gold, Enamel
Reversible Lucky Horseshoe Stickpin with Bloodstone & Jasper-Scotland, 19th C
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Lucky Scottish sterling silver horseshoe stickpin. The hand engraved top set with green Bloodstone from the Isle of Rum and red Campsie Fells Jaspe...
Jasper, Sterling Silver
Magnificent Bumble Bee Brooch
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Enamel Diamond and Gold Bumble Bee Brooch
Diamond
Art Deco Sterling Silver Flower Pin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Art Deco Sterling Silver Flower Pin with Marcasite and Onyx, English ca 1930's
Marcasite, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Amethyst, Tourmaline, Topaz, and Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
Purple Amethyst, Pink Topaz, Purplish Magenta Tourmaline, and sparkling white diamonds come together in a beautiful display of color to form a unique rendition of Oscar Heyman Brothe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Topaz, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Go...
Sapphire and Diamond Pansy Pin, Signed Tiffany & Co. by Oscar Heyman Brothers
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Boston, MA
Blue, fancy pink sapphires and diamonds are set in 18kt yellow gold and platinum in this whimsically classic floral pansy pin. Consisting of 48 mixed cut blue sapphires, 5 round cut blue sapphires, 30 round cut fancy pink sapphires, and 28 round brilliant cut diamonds. This pin measures approximately 1" in height. Stamped by Oscar Heyman Brothers for "Tiffany & Co.", serial no. "74551". *Shreve, Crump & Low Graduate Gemologist commentary: The Oscar Heyman Brothers pansy pin remains one of the most iconic brooch designs of the 20th century. Created in many combinations of gemstones, these special pins are a staple of any fine jewelry collector's gem box...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold...
Large Christian Dior Crescent Brooch With Tear Drop and Green Glass Cabochons
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
This magnificent Dior Boutique brooch was a catwalk piece designed by John Galliano circa 2000s, and is in perfect condition. The gold gilt metal is fashioned into a crescent and detailed on the reverse with an exotic pineapple design. The front of the piece features oval cabochons in green glass of varied tone designed to emulate semi precious stones such as turquoise, jade and agate. The brooch is fringed with glass teardrop shaped stones which appear to grow like flower buds from detail in the metalwork designed to emulate new spring fauna. To finish the aesthetic, a drop flower charm falls from the tip of the crescent into the central space the shape creates. A truly magical piece of jewellery with deep reference to the Art Noueau...