John Galliano 'Fallen Angels' leather and canvas hammerhead boots, circa 1986
View Similar Items
John Galliano 'Fallen Angels' leather and canvas hammerhead boots, circa 1986
About the Item
- Designer:
- Brand:
- Place of Origin:United Kingdom
- Period:
- Condition:
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU14022200523
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.
- Vivienne Westwood black suede round toe pumpsBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood black suede round toe pumps with buckle closure ca. 1986-1990Category
1980s British Shoes
- Hussein Chalayan Autumn-Winter 2002 black leather bondage shoes with metal heelBy Hussein ChalayanLocated in London, GBHussein Chalayan Autumn-Winter 2002 black leather shoes with metal heelCategory
Early 2000s British Shoes
- Vivienne Westwood black leather and suede platformsBy Vivienne WestwoodLocated in London, GBVivienne Westwood black leather and suede platforms ca. 1990-1996Category
1990s British Shoes
- Christian Dior by John Galliano black python sandals with zipper straps, ss 2001By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian DiorLocated in London, GB▪ Christian Dior sandals ▪ Designed by John Galliano ▪ Black python skin ▪ Gold-tone metal zip straps ▪ Dior 'D' zip pullers at the toes ▪ Slanted hee...Category
Early 2000s Italian Shoes
- Alaia pony hair leopard print coat and boots ensemble, c. 2010By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBIntroducing an extraordinary Alaia pony hair leopard print coat and boots ensemble, a true statement of bold and luxurious style. This ensemble showcas...Category
2010s French Coats and Outerwear
- Azzedine Alaia black leather and crochet pointed heels, ca. 1985-1988By Azzedine AlaïaLocated in London, GBPancaldi for Azzedine Alaia ca. 1985-1988Category
1980s Shoes
- Giuseppe Zanotti Leather Chain-link Accents Lace-up Boots (US 6.5)By Giuseppe ZanottiLocated in Montreal, QuebecGiuseppe Zanotti Leather Ankle Lace-Up Boots. Black. Semi-Pointed Toes with Chain-Link Accents. Stiletto Heels. Exposed Zip Closure at Sides. COLOR: Blac...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Ankle Boots
- Christian Louboutin Burgundy Suede Snake Skin Peep Toe Platform Heel (US 8.5)By Christian LouboutinLocated in Montreal, QuebecChristian Louboutin platform heels are made with burgundy suede and brown snake. The heels features a peep toe, a 25mm (1inch) platf...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Heels
$210 Sale Price30% Off - Saint Laurent Fringed Suede Black Desert Booties (43 US10 Mens)By Saint LaurentLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Black Material: Suede Item Code: 534009 Size: 43 EU / 10 US Comes With: Dust bag and shoe box Condition: New Made in ItalyCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- Giuseppe Zanotti Zebra Print Wedge Sneakers (EU 36)By Giuseppe ZanottiLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Black and white zebra print with gold detail on heel Material: Leather , calf hair and metal plate at heel Size: 36 EU / 5 US Wedge Height: 75 mm / 3” Condition: Good. Scratch...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
- Christian Louboutin Leopard Print Pony Hair Maggie Pumps (EU 35.5)By Christian LouboutinLocated in Montreal, QuebecCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN LEOPARD PRINT PONY HAIR MAGGIE PUMPS (EU 35.5) Color: Black with ebony cheat print Material: Leather with pony hair and a metal plate at toe. Size: 35.5 EU / 4....Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian High Heels
- 3.1 Phillip Lim Boot Black Leather Boots (US 8)By 3.1 Phillip LimLocated in Montreal, QuebecColor: Nude Material: Leather Size: 41 EU Heel Height: 36 mm / 1.5” Condition: Very good. Faint hairline scratches. Comes with: No brand dust bag Made in ItalyCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Shoes
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?