By ALFREDO MENDOZA
Staff Writer
John Galliano is a British fashion designer who was the head designer of the French fashion companies Givenchy (1995-1996) and Christian Dior (1996-2011). He is known for his avant-garde designs and theatrical runway shows. In 2011, he was dismissed from Dior after making anti-Semitic remarks in a Paris bar. He later apologized for his behavior and sought treatment for addiction. He has since returned to the fashion industry and has been designing for Maison Margiela since 2014.
He was born in Gibraltar in 1960 and grew up in London, England. His mother was a flamenco teacher and his father was a plumber. He was interested in fashion from a young age and would often experiment with clothes and makeup. He studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London and graduated in 1984 with a degree in fashion design. After graduation, he launched his own fashion label and quickly gained recognition for his avant-garde designs.
Galliano began his career in fashion by enrolling in the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. After graduating in 1984, he launched his own label and presented his first collection in 1985. His designs were immediately well-received by the fashion industry, and he won the British Designer of the Year award in 1987. He went on to work for several other fashion houses, including Givenchy and Christian Dior, and his work has been widely recognized for its creativity and innovation.
John is known for his theatrical runway shows that often feature elaborate sets, music, and costumes. One of his most iconic runway shows was his Spring/Summer 1998 collection for Christian Dior, which was inspired by the Belle Époque era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The show featured models dressed in corsets, petticoats, and parasols, and was set in a replica of the Palace of Versailles. Another iconic show was his Spring/Summer 2004 collection for Christian Dior, which was inspired by the Rococo era and featured models dressed in powdered wigs, brocade dresses, and towering platform shoes. The show was set in a garden filled with fountains and topiary.
John Galliano is known for his avant-garde designs for both men and women. One of his most iconic menswear collections was his Fall/Winter 2004 collection for Christian Dior, which was inspired by the Napoleonic era and featured models dressed in military-inspired jackets, trousers, and boots. The show was set in a replica of the Place Vendôme in Paris and featured a soundtrack of military drums and trumpets. Another iconic menswear collection was his Spring/Summer 2005 collection for his own label, which was inspired by the French Revolution and featured models dressed in breeches, waistcoats, and tricorne hats. The show was set in a garden filled with statues and fountains.
Galliano has had a significant impact on the fashion industry with his avant-garde designs and theatrical runway shows. He is known for his ability to push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of beauty and gender. His designs often incorporate historical references and cultural influences from around the world. He has been credited with reviving the house of Dior in the late 1990s and early 2000s and has influenced many designers who have followed in his footsteps. Despite his controversial remarks in 2011, his contributions to the fashion industry continue to be recognized and celebrated.
His personal life has been the subject of much media attention over the years. He has been open about his struggles with addiction and has sought treatment for alcoholism and drug abuse. In 2011, he was arrested in Paris for making anti-Semitic remarks in a bar, which led to his dismissal from Christian Dior. He later apologized for his behavior and sought help for his addiction. He has been in a long-term relationship with Alexis Roche, a fashion stylist, and editor, since the mid-2000s. Despite these challenges, he has continued to work in the fashion industry and has been recognized for his contributions to the field.
After a hiatus from the fashion industry, John Galliano returned to the runway in 2018 as the creative director of Maison Margiela. He has been credited with revitalizing the brand and bringing his unique vision to its collections. In addition to his work at Maison Margiela, he has also collaborated with other brands and designers, and his work continues to be highly influential in the fashion world.