John Galliano - The Brand

Gibraltar born Galliano left his home with his family at the young age of six in 1966, moving to Streatham, London. After a solid education at an all boys Grammar school, Galliano attended London’s prestigious Central St. Martins whilst also working as an assistant to suit tailor Tommy Nutter, and as a dresser at the National Theatre.

He graduated in 1984, honoured with a first class degree and great reception to his degree fashion show. It was here Galliano showcased his first collection ‘Les Incroyables’ inspired by the production Danton which he had worked on at the National Theatre. The collection was brought by Joan Burstein and displayed in her shop windows of fashion favourite Browns. The same year Galliano launched his own self titled label, and by a couple of years in 1987 he received the accolade of being named British Designer of the Year, a title he has also received numerous times after.

Galliano struggled with financing his fashion business, and in the early Nineties he moved to Paris, admitting to often sleeping on friend’s floors at night. Backed by legendary editor of American Vogue Anna Wintour, in 1993 she flew him to New York where he showcased his Princess Lucretia collection at a socialite’s mansion. Having the support of the fashion industry’s heavy weights helped Galliano establish his career even further. Supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell modelled in his shows for free, regarding Galliano as a friend rather than employer.

In 1995, still needing financial help, Galliano took on the role of chief designer for Givenchy. He is well regarded for reinventing the Parisian house with his beautiful ball gowns; his romantic fashion even enchanted Princess Diana. Having seen the great revival of Givenchy, Galliano was then appointed as director for Christian Dior. Again, Galliano worked his magic. Dior has become one of the world’s best selling brands.

Galliano continues to spread his time between Christian Dior and his own label, being one of the most sought after designers today.

 

John Galliano - Classic Styles 

John Galliano’s eye for romanticism and fantasy have created a designer known for his iconic, extravagant runway shows, but more so an icon himself. Galliano is attributed as being responsible for changing the way we dress. His attention to detailing and tailoring revolutionised wardrobes worldwide.

In the early Nineties he helped moved the fashion pack away from structured shoulder pads and sharp tailoring. Instead, he replaced this severe silhouette with a much softer, romantic look. Layers of flowing chiffon in ball gowns and sexy slips soon became favourable. Galliano went on to champion the bias cut, a method by which fabric is cut against the grain so that it easily drapes around the body in a spiral like effect – providing women with the illusion of a sinuous body. By the late Nineties, Galliano’s thin spaghetti strap dresses were the ideal choice for every Belle of the ball. Red carpet stars frequently dressed in Galliano’s stylings, Charlize Theron, Lucy Liu and Kylie Minogue are just a few of his famous fans.

John Galliano now creates an average of six couture and ready to wear collections a year, for both Dior and his own self titled label. John Galliano’s immense success in the fashion industry has seen him newly develop a children’s line, perfume, watches and fine jewellery. Full of energy, Galliano knows that continually pushing his creativity is something he has to do to succeed in the future. With his track record, Galliano is sure to be giving the fashion industry something to talk about for years to come.