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.
S/S 2003 John Galliano Rhinestone Buckle Black Floral Ruffle Slip Gown
By John Galliano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 2003 collection, this slip gown features a ruched bodice adorned with vertical rows of rhinestones and a central floral appliqué, finished with a s...
JOHN GALLIANO 1999 Vintage Silk Floral Brocade Little Black Slip Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Leonardo, NJ
John Galliano Vintage AW99 Jet black floral textured brocade pattern 100% silk Pullover Cute signature buttons in the front There is room to let the straps out an inch Size F40 fits...
JOHN GALLIANO 2009 Vintage Royal Blue Gown Maxi Dress w. Attached Sash
By John Galliano
Located in Leonardo, NJ
John Galliano Vintage 2009 Royal Blue Attached sash can also be tied but I just let it hang Extra long length Invisible side zip Size IT44 NWT's, 2 small dots that you can only see u...
John Galliano Spring 2004 Size 6 Chiffon Floral Beaded Vintage Dress Set Y2K
By John Galliano
Located in San Diego, CA
Size US 6 Measurements: Blouse 36 inch bust 28 inch waist Skirt 29 inch waist 40 inch hips 20 inches in length A rare 2004 John Galliano silk chiffon top and skirt ensemble from the...
90s John Galliano Silk Charmeuse Peacock Teal Bow Bust Gown, Made in Italy
By John Galliano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Designed by John Galliano for his eponymous label, this elegant silk charmeuse gown exemplifies the designer’s softer, more romantic approach to evening dressing. Rendered in a rich ...
CHRISTIAN DIOR Galliano Vintage 2009 pink oriental floral jacquard dress FR36 S
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN DIOR Galliano Vintage 2009 pink oriental floral jacquard dress FR36 S Reference: TGAS/D00244 Brand: Dior Designer: John Galliano Collection: 2009 Material: Wool, Silk Color...
John Galliano Fall Winter 2006 tie dye multicolour maxi evening gown
By John Galliano
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare John Galliano blue, red and purple dégradé tie-dye style bustier maxi chiffon evening gown from circa the Fall Winter 2006 collection. Based on similar pieces presented for the ...
$3,025Sale Price|44% Off
1996 GIVENCHY by GALLIANO Leopard gown
By Givenchy, John Galliano
Located in Austin, TX
1996 GIVENCHY by GALLIANO Leopard gown Buttons down front to hem Condition : Excellent 21.75" bust, 21.75" waist, 25.25" hips, 58.5" length mannequin is a US sz 6 Size XS / S ru...
John Galliano Spring Summer 2003 ivory botanical print silk gown
By John Galliano
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful John Galliano abstract botanical print multicolour silk gown from the Spring Summer 2003 collection. Details : This gown features vibrant hues (flower and leaf patterns) o...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Up Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous black silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. The body of the dress is made of fine black stretch silk with functional adjustable lacing at the center front and b...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Ruffle Hem Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior in brightly colored flowers on a navy and burgundy background. The spaghetti strap bodice is semi fitted and adorned on one ...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to the hem and there are the signature Dior self covered buttons...
John Galliano for Christian Dior S/S 2009 Silk Halter Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous rich purple silk halter dress by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It is fitted through the bodice with a stunning intricately detailed ruffle trimmed plunge halter neckli...
John Galliano for Christian Dior One Shoulder Silk Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful ethereal one shoulder dress from Christian Dior comprised of layers of semi sheer black silk over an opaque silk under dress. It has one shoulder with 2 panels of softly...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Lace up Top and Skirt
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
An incredible 2 piece silk skirt and top set in a pink and yellow flower print from John Galliano for Christian Dior. The top has adjustable functi...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Lace up Silk Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous black fine silk dress with stretch from Christian Dior. It has a scoop neck front and back with intricate lacing starting at one shoulder crossing the front and back wrap...
John Galliano Cerise Draped Silk Chiffon Evening Dress with Flounces, SS 2006
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano, Spring-Summer 2006. Cerise silk chiffon floor-length dress suspended from braided shoulder straps interspersed with pearl beads. The fitted silhouette has a shallow sc...
2006 Vintage John Galliano Black Silk Embellished Bias Cut Flapper Evening Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Sheffield, GB
A Beautiful 2006 John Galliano flapper style dress. Crafted in a matt black pure silk with pale gold and silver bead / sequin work, dropped waistline, asymmetrical hem and a conceale...
Amazing John Galliano Pointelle Knit and Embroidered Evening Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
Amazing John Galliano form fitting evening dress Fall/Winter 2000 made of black rayon-silk patterned pointelle knit, embroidered and appliqued with multi colored wool flowers and but...
John Galliano Fall Winter 2007 exquisite black silk and velvet gown
By John Galliano
Located in PARIS, FR
Rare and exquisite John Galliano black velvet gown with silk and lace details from the Fall Winter 2007 collection. As seen on the runway. Undoubtedly one of the most special pieces ...
F/W 1995 John Galliano 'Dolores' Seamless Carnation Black Satin Crepe Gown FR40
By John Galliano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This John Galliano gown from the Fall/Winter 1995 "Dolores del Rio" collection is cut on the bias in John's signature satin-backed crepe, used double-sided throughout. The body of th...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Lace Camisole and Skirt Set
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous 2 piece set in white lace from Christian Dior. It consists of a scoop neck camisole tank style top and straight midi length skirt in alt...
John Galliano Rare Dolores Intarsia Carnation Bias Evening Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
A rare John Galliano bias cut Carnation dress from the Dolores collection, Autumn-Winter 1995-96. Of Bianchini Férier ivory and black satin backed rayon acetate crêpe inset with intarsia'd black chiffon and satin embroidered in white silk running stitch embroidered carnation flower heads and unfurling leaf designs. Gently cowled neckline and back. Due to the complex design and construction very few of these dresses were put into production, and sold. There are no traditional seams on sides and the fit of the dress is integrated into the inserted black floral patterns onto the bias cut base. In the period, they cost $5000 US dollars and upwards depending on the retail establishment through special order. John Galliano’s 1995...
John Galliano 'Misia Diva' Kimono Gown, S/S 1995
By John Galliano
Located in Norwich, GB
John Galliano 'Misia Diva' Kimono Gown, S/S 1995 Excellent vintage condition
John Galliano Pink Silk Gown
By John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A spectacular John Galliano silk gown in ombre shades of pink. The bodice has spaghetti straps and gathers onto 2 angled bands crossing at the...
John Galliano 2006 Silk Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Norwich, GB
John Galliano Spring/Summer 2006 silk gown. Print as seen on the runway. Composition tag intact, brand label removed. Condition Very good A few minor marks on the lining. Marked Si...
John Galliano Vintage Silk Cocktail Dress F/W 2010 with Buckle
By John Galliano
Located in Berlin, DE
Rare and collectible silk cocktail dress by John Galliano, from the Fall/Winter 2010 runway collection. This exquisite piece features the signature swirling floral print seen on the ...
Rare John Galliano S/S 2004 Sculptural Stretch Evening Dress Mermaid Silhouette
By John Galliano
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant and increasingly hard-to-find John Galliano Spring/Summer 2004 sculptural evening dress, showcasing the designer's unmistakable mastery of body-conscious draping and femin...
$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 Vintage 1999 Women's Evening Gown in Excellent Condition FR38
By John Galliano
Located in Berlin, DE
A striking and highly collectible runway piece from John Galliano’s celebrated Fall/Winter 1999 collection—an era that defined his legacy of sensual, body-conscious design. Cut on t...
Stunning Nina Ricci Runway Vintage Grecian Inspired Bias Cut Silk Dress Gown
By John Galliano, Nina Ricci
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nina Ricci 2010 runway rich navy-blue silk charmeuse bias cut gown. Featuring dramatic style and cut. Gown is designed to gently and delicately drape the body enhancing the special...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Ruched Corset Bustier Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous soft gold fine silk knit dress from Christian Dior. It has an inner boned corset with underwire bust cups, and detachable spaghetti straps enabling the dress to also be wo...
S/S 1999 John Galliano Black Stretch Pleated Sleeveless Pencil Dress
By John Galliano
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black slubbed viscose and linen blend John Galliano dress from the Spring/Summer 1999 "Ballet Russes" collection is constructed with vertical seam that release into pleated pane...
Rare John Galliano F/W 2005 Black Silk Chiffon Evening Gown Floral Embroidered
By John Galliano
Located in PARIS, FR
A beautifully romantic John Galliano Fall/Winter 2005 evening gown, perfectly capturing the designer's unmistakable vision of feminine elegance and poetic craftsmanship. Expertly mad...
Archive John Galliano S/S 2001 Deconstructed Knit & Tulle Art Dress
By John Galliano
Located in PARIS, FR
An exceptional John Galliano Spring/Summer 2001 archive dress, crafted in an intricate distressed open-knit construction with layered black tulle and striking abstract ivory knit app...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Silk Maxi Skirt
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A gorgeous silk long skirt with yellow, green and white abstract shapes including glowers and leaves on a brown background from John Galliano for Christian Dior. It is semi fitted t...
John Galliano Pure Silk 1920s Style Flapper Pastel Print floaty Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Sheffield, GB
Delicate pastel coloured pure silk 'John Galliano' abstract floral patterned dress, cut in a typical 1920's 'Garçonne' style with a gliding asymmetrical drop waist. MADE IN ITALY. ...
Rare Archive John Galliano 2004-2005 Silver Gray draped Bias-Cut evening gown
By John Galliano
Located in PARIS, FR
An elegant and timeless John Galliano evening gown dating to 2004-2005, crafted in a luminous silver-grey satin with the designer's signature bias-cut construction. This sophisticate...
John Galliano Wool Crepe Suit, Fall Winter 1999 Maori Collection.
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
Elegant John Galliano textured weave black wool crepe dinner suit, Fall-Winter 1999 Maori collection. The asymmetrical cut jacket drapes into a self fabric "scarf" which nips in wais...
Christian Dior Haute Couture Milieu de Siecle Dinner Dress Fall/Winter 1949-1950
By Christian Dior Haute Couture, John Galliano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dior was known for his feminine silhouettes however, he did adapt menswear fashion styles to his designs. Shown is this example of an evening wear ensemble fashioned in wool and enh...
John Galliano Rare Deco Inspired High Style Gown
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa f/w 2008 John Galliano mauve silk charmeuse dress adorned with deco inspired faux pearl and crystal beadwork. Features kimono sleeves. Draped neckline held securely with sing...
Christian Dior Galliano Couture SilkWoolCrepe Changeante Cocktail Dress ss 1999
By Christian Dior Haute Couture, John Galliano
Located in Chicago, IL
While John Galliano was artistic director of Chistian Dior haute-couture and ready-to-wear, he designed this hip-accentuating bateaux-neck sleeveless sheath dress with characteristic...
Vintage Galliano Black Ruffle Dress
By John Galliano
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A Vintage Galliano Black Ruffle Dress is a statement piece that would embody the dramatic and avant-garde style that John Galliano is known for. As a designer who has consistently p...
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
CHRISTIAN DIOR 2006 John Galliano Vintage Runway silk floral drape dress FR34 XS
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN DIOR 2006 John Galliano Vintage Runway red silk black floral drape dress FR34 XS Reference: TGAS/E00996 Brand: Dior Designer: John Galliano Collection: AW 2006 - Runway Mat...
John Galliano Size 8 / 10 2005 Gazette Newspaper Animal Silk Dress Black White
By John Galliano
Located in San Diego, CA
Flirty early 2000s ( Spring 2005 ) JOHN GALLIANO signature gazette print sleeveless black and white (and grey) silk dress! Features Galliano's signature newspaper print mixed with alligator / crocodile prints throughout. Sleeveless braided straps. Galliano first introduced the Gazette print when he was head designer at the House of Christian Dior. He perceived the idea of the print from a 1935 Elsa Schiaparelli dress...
Christian Dior by John Galliano F/W 1997 Mini Dress
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Norwich, GB
Christian Dior by John Galliano gunmetal silk and black lace slip dress. From the Fall/Winter 1997 collection. Condition Very good Faint water mark near hem, more visible on th...
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano Vintage U neckline strapless goddess dress FR38 M
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN DIOR John Galliano Vintage U neckline strapless goddess dress FR38 M Reference: TGAS/D00364 Brand: Dior Designer: John Galliano Material: Acetate, Viscose Color: Black Patt...
Black bustier dress with silver embroideries GALLIANO
By John Galliano
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Black bustier dress with silver embroideries ( silver lurex thread, beads and sequins) Fabric composition: 51% acetate, 45% nylon, 4% elastane I...
2008 John Galliano Tabloid Print draped Newspaper fitted Cocktail Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Sheffield, GB
A fabulous 2000s John Galliano newspaper print dress featuring a draped detail panel down the front to provide an hour glass silhouette, and micr...
Sleeveless sequin cotton dress GALLIANO
By John Galliano
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Sleeveless sequin cotton dress. Authenticity hologram . SIZE 44 (It) on tag / 40 (Fr)
John Galliano 2007 "Faberge" Rare Runway "Finale" Gown Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
John Galliano's 2007 S/S collection made a highly visual splash in the finale featured elaborate and luxuriously draped patterned gowns. The finale gowns, fashioned of creme silk cr...
John Galliano Dress, 2006, Silk, Size Fr (44)
By John Galliano
Located in Алматинский Почтамт, KZ
Elegant John Galliano Dress, 2006, Silk, Size Fr (44) For sale: This luxurious dress by the legendary designer John Galliano, from the 2006 collection. An ideal choice for parties, ...
John Galliano sweater-dress
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GALLIANO - Asymmetrical cacao-color knitting sweater-dress. Front ornamented with a fancy knitting and decorated with an abstract bow made of velvet ribbon, silk muslin, and wool. No...
2000S JOHN GALLIANO CHRISTIAN DIOR Olive Green Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress
By John Galliano
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully made with an internal corset to keep the shape of the dress. Some damage due to young rich girls who's mother's taught them no sense of decorum. ...
John Galliano 2008 Vintage Long Silk Dress, Flower Pattern, Size 42FR
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
JOHN GALLIANO - (made in France) Long silk dress with a flower pattern. Size 42FR indicated. A Collection circa 2008. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Chest: 45 cm - Wais...
CHRISTIAN DIOR JOHN GALLIANO 2011 Runway lace bead embellished bow dress FR36 S
By John Galliano, Christian Dior
Located in Hong Kong, NT
CHRISTIAN DIOR JOHN GALLIANO 2011 Runway lace bead embellished bow dress FR36 S Reference: TGAS/C01236 Brand: Dior Designer: John Galliano Collection: Resort 2011 - Runway Material: ...
John Galliano 2000’s Strapless Red Chiffon Silk Bias Cut floaty Cocktail Dress
By John Galliano
Located in Sheffield, GB
A glamorous 2000’s John Galliano chiffon silk evening dress featuring a strapless silhouette, with built in boned interior corset, drapery at the waistline, signature John Galliano b...
Givenchy Couture John Galliano S/S 1997 Bouquet Floral Ribbon Print Midi Dress
By John Galliano, Givenchy
Located in Chicago, IL
Designed by John Galliano for the Givenchy Couture spring/summer 1997 collection; his last collection for the label. Galliano only designed for the fashion house for 2 years which ma...
John Galliano Black Embroidered Lace & Illusion Tulle Evening Dress, France
By John Galliano
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant and understated, this John Galliano evening dress ( late 1990s to early 2000s ) reflects the designer’s refined approach to feminine silhouette and graceful movement. Expert...
Vintage 2004 John Galliano Dusty Pink Chiffon Gown
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
Vintage 2004 John Galliano Dusty Pink Chiffon Gown. This gown features a draped chiffon silk overlay all over the surface of this gown, which can be draped in multiply ways. The left...