John Galliano Little Black Dress
View Similar Items
John Galliano Little Black Dress
About the Item
- Designer:
- Dimensions:Length: 38.19 in (97 cm)Bust: 31.5 in (80 cm)
- Place of Origin:Italy
- Period:
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Amsterdam, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU22122647763
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.
Shop vintage John Galliano evening dresses and gowns, handbags, jackets and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- Crystal Studded Show BraLocated in Amsterdam, NLThis bra is embroidered with colored crystals, sequins and fringe We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Handmade bra with hard cups Hooks closures at...Category
20th Century Bras
$598 Sale Price20% Off - Jovani New York Black Feathers Evening Gown vintageLocated in Amsterdam, NLThis is a Vintage black evening gown with inside lining short dress. This exquisite gown is embroided with black iridescent feathers and silver color stones. The dress has a zip and...Category
20th Century Unknown Evening Dresses
- Blue Cocktail Dress Nina Ricci ParisBy Nina RicciLocated in Amsterdam, NLThis vintage dress from Nina Ricci Boutique edition is styled with an overlayer, 2 side pockets on the attached underdress with a closing zipper at the back. At the end of sleeves is...Category
20th Century French Cocktail Dresses
- Art Deco Gold Sequins Black Silk TopLocated in Amsterdam, NLWe offer more special vintage sequins items, view our frontstore Details: Black top embroidered with beads and color seguin's with goldtone in art deco style Lined with 2 shoulderpa...Category
20th Century Aesthetic Evening Dresses
$671 Sale Price20% Off - Bordeaux Red Velvet Gold Brocade Coat and HatLocated in Amsterdam, NLAmazing bordeaux/red velvet gold brocade gown We offer more exclusive vintage items, view our frontstore Details: Red velvet embroidered with ...Category
20th Century Coats and Outerwear
$973 Sale Price20% Off - Gianfranco Ferre fringed yellow dressBy Gianfranco FerréLocated in Amsterdam, NLThis dress is made in one piece with fring and has a zipper at the back. Its in good vintage condition with some wear. Size is marked Italian 46 which is about US 12 /EU 40-42 Pleas...Category
20th Century Italian Evening Dresses and Gowns
$621 Sale Price25% Off
- Gucci by Tom Ford Black Maxi DressBy GucciLocated in Sheung Wan, HK- Gucci by Tom Ford black safari maxi dress from fall 1996 collection. - Front closure with gold Gucci "G" zipper, pointed collar and long le...Category
1990s Italian Maxi Dress
- Dolce & Gabanna leopard print silk case dress, 2000sBy Dolce & GabbanaLocated in New York, NYDolce&Gabbana silk case dress with leopard print. Fastens with a zipper on the back, there is a slot on the skirt. Length - 101 cm Armpit to armpit - 41 cm Waist - 66 cm Hips - ...Category
Early 2000s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Vintage Nina Ricci Velvet Dress, 1980sBy Nina RicciLocated in New York, NYAn exquisite vintage demi couture evening gown from the 1980s by Nina Ricci. Beautifully constructed with many details, finished by hand, in a sumptuous black velvet with a white p...Category
20th Century French Evening Gowns
- Vintage One Shoulder Viktor&Rolf Dress, 1990sBy Viktor & RolfLocated in New York, NYStunning vintage one shoulder gown with acetate and silk bows adorned with a belt around the waist. Period: 1990s Additional information: Fabric:...Category
1990s Dutch Evening Dresses
- Rebecca De Ravenel Black Strapless Dress, 1970sLocated in New York, NYStunning vintage bustier dress with velvet insert and accent buttons by Rebecca De Ravenel. Period:1970s Fabric – 88% silk, 12% wool Size – 6 (M...Category
1970s Evening Dresses
- Halston Cashmere Knitted Dress, 2000sBy HalstonLocated in New York, NYHalston cashmere knitted dress with decor made of metal elements. Additional information: Fabric: 100% cashmere Size: XS-S Period: 2000s Condition: V...Category
Early 2000s American Evening Dresses
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
How John Galliano Caused Fashion Chaos around the Globe
The visionary designer epitomizes the pleasures and perils of irrepressible creative genius.
The Best Ways to Dress for Your Astrological Sign
Makeup and astrology expert Linda Mason dispenses fashion advice for every zodiac sign. Does your wardrobe match your horoscope?