John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
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 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 collectible and 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. In just eight weeks, Galliano produced 50 looks for Dior Haute Couture’s brilliant Spring/Summer 1997 Maasai collection and would ultimately design a mind-boggling eight collections a year for the storied French fashion house until 2011. Today, Galliano is the creative director of Maison Margiela.
Shop vintage and contemporary John Galliano for Christian Dior evening dresses and gowns, shoes, handbags and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
1990s French John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Bronze
20th Century Unknown John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century British John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
20th Century Unknown John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Gold, 15k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Unknown John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Enamel, Mixed Metal
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Mixed Metal, Enamel
1820s Antique John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Silver
20th Century French Art Deco John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 20th Century Victorian John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Danish John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Agate
Mid-20th Century Mexican John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Amethyst, Sterling Silver
1950s Danish Vintage John Galliano for Christian Dior More Jewelry and Watches
Amazonite, Sterling Silver