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 stiletto shoes
By John Galliano
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
GALLIANO -(Made in Italy) Leather stiletto shoes with silvery, golden, and black inside-out leather. Size 37FR indicated. Condition: Very good condition Dimensions: Heel height: 13...
Dior John Galliano A/W 2003 Bondage Bow Snakeskin High Heel Sandals 39
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Dior John Galliano 2003 Bondage Bow Snakeskin High Heel Sandals 39 Color Black Size 39EU Heel Height 4.5in Snakeskin upper Leather sole Buckle closure Bow embellishments Platform high heel Grommeted straps Made in Italy A John Galliano retro vintage In a Dior shoe box...
Dior by Galliano Spring 2009 RUNWAY Fertility Goddess Heels
By Christian Dior
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Iconic, incredibly rare Christian Dior Spring 2009 Runway “Fertility Goddess Sandals” designed by John Galliano. ABOUT THE SHOE: - Size 36½ with a 5 inch heel. - Composed of stunn...
Dior John Galliano FW1998 Runway Mary Jane Pumps Archive Heels EU 37.5
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in San Jose, CA
Christian Dior by John Galliano Fall/Winter 1998 runway Mary Jane pumps from one of the designer's most celebrated archive collections. A rare pair featured on the FW1998 runway and famously owned by Kate Moss. A true piece of fashion history with virtually no availability on today's market. Beautifully crafted in multicolor leather with textured lizard accents, these sculptural heels feature an elongated pointed toe, delicate Mary Jane strap, elegant stiletto heel, and Galliano's signature patchwork color blocking. The rich mix of oxblood, raspberry, crimson, and chartreuse creates an unmistakable late-90s Dior...
Vintage Dior A/W 2003 Galliano Retro Bondage Bow Snakeskin Strappy Pumps 37.5
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Autumn/ Winter 2003 Dior John Galliano Retro Vintage Bow Snakeskin Strappy Pumps Color Black Size 37.5EU Heel Height 4.5in Snakeskin upper Leather sole Buckle closure Bow embellish...
$1,433
Size: Size; EU 37 / UK 4
A/W 2001 'Fly Girls' Christian Dior by John Galliano Stiletto boots - Heels 37
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Sheffield, GB
Autumn/Winter 2001 'Fly Girls' Collection, Christian Dior by John Galliano Stiletto boots. Crafted in the signature 2000's Dior monogram trotter jacquard with intercepting panels of ...
2009 Iconic Roberto Cavalli runway platform shoes NWT Size 38.5
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
2009 Iconic Roberto Cavalli runway platform shoes. Nude leather and black platform take the heights to the new level. You will have the longest legs in the room! Size 38.5 Platform ...
Dior Galliano Runway Fall 2009 Lizard Lace Up Heels Black Pumps 39
By John Galliano, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Christian Dior lace-up heels from the Fall 2009 collection designed by John Galliano. These striking pumps appeared on the runway and reflect the sculptural, high-fashion aesthetic of late Galliano-era Dior. Crafted in Italy from genuine black exotic lizard leather, the shoes feature an intricate lace-up cage front with multiple cutout panels and leather tassel ties. The structured silhouette includes a rounded toe and a tall stiletto heel wrapped in matching lizard leather. A distinctive horn-tone heel base and ornate silver-tone decorative ring accent add dramatic architectural detail to the design. The natural lizard texture gives the shoe depth and subtle sheen while the lace construction creates a bold runway silhouette. Fully leather lined with leather soles and Dior-stamped insoles. A rare pair from one of Galliano's collectible Dior collections, ideal for collectors, archival wardrobes, editorial styling, or statement evening wear. Size: EU 39 Color: Black Material: Genuine lizard leather upper, leather lining, leather sole Made in Italy Collection: Dior Fall 2009...
Vivienne Westwood 'Cut, Slash & Pull' Open Toe High Sole Platforms, Circa 1991
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in London, GB
cA Pair of Vivienne Westwood high-soled open toe platform shoes covered in black satin with regular cuts throughout the surface, 'Cut, Slash & Pull' collection, spring-summer 1991.
2009 Iconic Roberto Cavalli runway platform shoes NWT Size 39.5
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Montgomery, TX
2009 Iconic Roberto Cavalli runway platform shoes. Nude leather and black platform take the heights to the new level. You will have the longest legs in the room! Size 39.5 Platform ...
Platform heels 1993 Vivienne Westwood gingham
By Vivienne Westwood
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
platform heels 1993 Vivienne Westwood. Vivienne Westwood, the renowned British fashion designer, is credited with popularizing elevated heels in the early 1990s. These heels were ch...
CHANEL Karl Lagerfeld 14P Runway Patent Sock Boots – EU 39
By Chanel
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Step into high fashion history with these rare CHANEL sock boots from the 2014 Spring Runway Collection, designed by the iconic Karl Lagerfeld. A standout piece from the show, these ...
Dior by John Galliano Layered Paint Dress, Spring/Summer 2001
By Christian Dior
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
A conceptual piece from John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 2001 collection for Dior, this dress set consists of two ethereal layers that can be styled together or individually. The outer...
Dior By John Galliano 2000S/S runway ensemble
By Christian Dior
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Introducing the iconic Christian Dior blue open-knit bodycon dress from the Spring-Summer 2000 collection, meticulously crafted by the visionary designer, John Galliano. This knee-le...
John Galliano 2000s Mini Dress
By John Galliano
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
Description: This striking mini dress by John Galliano from the 2000s features a vibrant graphic print that showcases his avant-garde approach to fashion. Designed with intricate f...
John Galliano, Spring/Summer 2002 Cotton Skirt
By John Galliano
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
A romantic and deconstructed wrap-style cotton skirt from John Galliano's Spring/Summer 2002 collection. This piece features: * Delicate white folk-inspired print on a muted grey cot...
The visionary designer epitomizes the pleasures and perils of irrepressible creative genius.
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