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 Top sottoveste in maglia beige in lana - angora della FW 2005
By John Galliano
Located in Milano, IT
Top in maglia in lana - angora di John Galliano della collezione Ready to Wear Autunno Inverno 2005. Il top ha lo scollo a sottoveste e sottili spalline. Un na...
John Galliano Vintage Early 2000’s Black Bustier Dress
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
Vintage early 2000’s John Galliano black midi dress. Features bustier cups with mesh overlay, removable shoulder straps, mesh detailing at waist line with hardware button in centre a...
Galliano Vintage Black Velvet Skirt w/ Pink Spots - S - 1990's
By John Galliano
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Galliano Vintage Black Velvet Skirt w/ Pink Spots - S - 1990's. This adorable skirt is in excellent condition. It features a lovely black velvet material with pink spots, silk lini...
$2,914
John Galliano set
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GALLIANO - (Made in Italy) Silk and wool set composed of a cardigan, a top, and a skirt. Size L indicated, it fits a 38FR. A Collection circa 2002. Condition: Very good condition D...
JOHN GALLIANO dress "Opium" in multicolor printed silk georgette FW 2008
By John Galliano
Located in Milano, IT
"Opium" balloon dress in 100% silk georgette printed with abstract floral pattern by John Galliano from the Ready to Wear Fall Winter 2008 collection. The print has a black base with...
1990S JOHN GALLIANO CHRISTIAN DIOR Grey Wool Blend Stretch Pencil Skirt
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
1990S JOHN GALLIANO CHRISTIAN DIOR Grey Wool Blend Stretch Pencil Skirt
$4,663
Galliano suit set
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GALLIANO - (Made in France) Black linen suit with a silk lining, composed of a jacket and trousers. Size 40FR. A Collection circa 1998. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: J...
John Galliano Burgundy Red Coat With Curly Lamb Collar And Cuffs 2007
By John Galliano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a stunning vintage John Galliano burgundy red fancy coat featuring curly lamb fur collar and cuffs, leg-of-mutt...
John Galliano Black Fitted Two Button Jacket W Pockets
By John Galliano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Resurrection Vintage is excited to offer a John Galliano black fitted two button jacket, featuring front flap pockets, a deep neck, and "Galliano" label hardware at the pocket John ...
Galliano Black Satin Jacket with a Lace Collar, 2001
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GALLIANO - (Made in France) Black satin jacket with lace-edged collar, sleeve bottoms, and jacket bottom. Mother-of-pearl buttons. Silk lining. Size 38FR. 2001 Fall-Winter ready-to-w...
John Galliano Set of a Top and Vest with Psychedelic Print
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Galliano - (Made in Italy) Set consisting of a top and vest with psychedelic print. Size indicated L. Additional information: Dimensions: Vest: Shoulder width: 45 cm, Chest: 48 cm,...
John Galliano Black Cotton Sleeveless Top with Rhinestone Detail
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Galliano - (Made in Portugal) Black cotton sleeveless top, collar sewn with rhinestones representing jewelry. Size M. Additional information: Condition: Very good condition Dimensi...
JOHN GALLIANO Pantalone slim nero in tessuto denim stretch
By John Galliano
Located in Milano, IT
Pantalone slim in denim stretch di John Galliano. Sul davanti quattro tasche, due con zip oblique e tiretto con logo John Galliano. Dietro due tasche doppio filetto sono chiuse con b...
JOHN GALLIANO abito grigio a sottoveste midi con spalline in camoscio FW 2004
By John Galliano
Located in Milano, IT
Abito a sottoveste midi con spalline in camoscio e due spacchi apribili con zip sul davanti. Abito a sottoveste lunghezza midi di John Galliano con scollo a V sia davanti che dietro....
John Galliano Autumn 2001 Red Satin Blazer
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
A red satin John Galliano A/W 2001 single-breasted blazer with black buttons embossed with the ‘John Galliano’ house logo up the front and on the cuff. At the front of the blazer are...
$2,700Sale Price|40% Off
2001 John Galliano Sheer Knit Sleeveless High Neck Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Austin, TX
2001 John Galliano Sheer Black Knit Sleeveless High Neck Long Dress Rayon Fabric Made in Italy Chest: 28-37", Waist: 23-33", Hips: 31-43", Length: 64" Condition: Excellent SIZE: S ...
John Galliano black twill evening dress with floral feather appliqués, fw 2005
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
▪ John Galliano archival evening dress ▪ Fall-Winter 2005 ▪ Constructed from black acetate-viscose twill ▪ Silk flower stem shaped inserts ▪ Organza ...