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.
CHRISTIAN DIOR By JOHN GALLIANO S/S 2003 Campaign Platform Heels 39.5
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Berlin, BE
Christian Dior by John Galliano Spring Summer 2003 Campaign Lace-Up Platform Heels Brand: Christian Dior Designer: John Galliano Collection / Year: Spring Summer 2003 Material: Leat...
Dior Galliano CD Logo D'Orsay Pointed Toe Pumps Black 36.5
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Christian Dior black leather d'Orsay pumps from the John Galliano era featuring oversized silver-tone CD logo hardware, pointed toes and high stiletto heels. Sleek 2000s Dior with a sharp Y2K silhouette and recognizable archival logo detailing. Details • Christian Dior • John Galliano era • 2000s vintage • Black leather • Oversized silver-tone CD logo hardware • D'Orsay cutout silhouette • Pointed toe • High stiletto heel • Leather lining and sole • Made in Italy Size • EU 36.5 • Approx. US 6.5 Condition Pre-owned vintage condition with light signs of wear consistent with age and use. Soles have been refreshed. Light cosmetic wear to leather and heels. Please review photos. Keywords: Dior heels, Christian Dior pumps, John Galliano Dior, Galliano era, vintage Dior shoes...
Dior Vintage Galliano Era Black Charcoal Oblique Monogram Buckle Pumps EU 42
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Eagan, MN
Dior Vintage Galliano Era Black Charcoal Oblique Monogram Buckle Pumps EU 42 Women's size EU 42 Shoe sizing is inconsistent across brands. It is recommended to know your sizing with...
Dior Vintage Galliano Black Logo Ribbon Mesh Bow Heart Charm Sandals Heels EU 38
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Eagan, MN
Dior Vintage Galliano Black Logo Ribbon Mesh Bow Heart Charm Sandals Heels EU 38 Women's size EU 38 Vintage Christian Dior sandals from the John Galliano era, crafted in black leat...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Spring 2005 Runway CD Logo T-Strap Sandals
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in San Jose, CA
A rare pair of Christian Dior leather sandals from the celebrated John Galliano era, originally presented on the Spring 2005 runway. Distinguished by oversized silver-tone CD logo ha...
Dior Galliano Black Satin Crystal Bow Sandals Heels 37 Vintage
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in San Jose, CA
Vintage Christian Dior by John Galliano black satin high heel sandals in EU size 37. These Dior heels feature strappy black satin, crystal rhinestone trim, delicate bow details, flor...
Dior Galliano Era 2002 Canvas Leather Grommet Heels Slingback 38.5
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in San Jose, CA
Authentic Christian Dior by John Galliano Spring/Summer 2002 slingback heels in EU 38.5. These vintage Y2K Dior heels feature brown leather, beige canvas, gold-tone grommet hardware, pointed toes and sculpted high heels. A rare Galliano-era Dior design from the early 2000s with crossover canvas straps, metal eyelet detailing and an adjustable leather slingback strap. The heels are wrapped in coordinating canvas for a distinctive mixed-material finish. DETAILS • Christian Dior by John Galliano • Spring/Summer 2002 • Brown leather & beige canvas • Gold-tone grommet / eyelet hardware • Crossover straps • Pointed toe • Slingback buckle strap • Canvas-wrapped sculpted heel • Dior logo insoles & soles • Made in Italy • Original Dior box included SIZE EU 38.5 / approx. US 8–8.5 CONDITION Good vintage condition with visible sole wear and minor wear consistent with age. Structure remains solid. See photos. KEYWORDS: Christian Dior heels, Dior slingback heels, Dior pumps, Dior shoes, Dior canvas heels, Dior 38.5, John Galliano Dior, Galliano Dior shoes, Galliano Dior heels, Dior SS 2002, Dior 2002, Y2K Dior, early 2000s Dior, vintage Dior heels...
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...
Christian Dior by John Galliano FW 2003 Bondage Bow Snakeskin Heels Size 36.5
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Roseburg, OR
Vintage Christian Dior by John Galliano Bondage Bow heels, a rare archival collector pair from the Fall/Winter 2003 runway era. Crafted in exotic snakeskin with Galliano’s signature ...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Cannage Leather Peep-Toe Pumps with Dior Charm
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in NICE, FR
A chic pair of Christian Dior pumps designed under the creative direction of John Galliano, featuring the house’s iconic Cannage quilted leather motif. Crafted in metallic bronze le...
Dior CD Logo Retro Vintage Galliano Black Leather Pointed Toe Mules Sandals 40
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Dior CD Logo Retro Vintage Galliano Black Leather Pointed Toe Mules Sandals 40 Color Black Size 40EU Heel Height 3.25in Leather upper Leather sole Pointed toe CD logo finished in s...
Dior Vintage John Galliano Rhinestone Charm Platform Wedge Trotter Print Mule 35
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Dior Vintage John Galliano Rhinestone Charm Platform Wedge Trotter Print Mule 35 Color Pink Multi Size 35EU Heel height 4.5in Canvas upper Leather sole Oblique pattern Wedge sculpt...
Vintage Dior John Galliano 2005 Diorissimo Lock and Key Monogram Mules 39.5
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Vintage Christian Dior 2005 Diorissimo Lock and Key Monogram Print Mules 39.5 Color Beige Multi Size 39.5EU Heel height 3.5in Leather and fabric upper Leather sole Oblique pattern ...
Christian Dior Vintage John Galliano Padlock and Key Oblique Mule Sandals 37
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Christian Dior Vintage John Galliano Padlock and Key Oblique Print Mule Sandals 37 Color Multi Size 37EU Heel Height 2in Oblique print upper Leather sole Small padlock and keys wit...
Dior Vintage John Galliano Bow Grommet Embellished Pointed Toe Mules Pumps 37
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Dior Vintage John Galliano Bow Grommet Embellished Pointed Toe Mules Pumps 37 Color White Size 37 Heel Height 3.25in Leather upper Leather sole Pointed ...
Dior Retro Vintage John Galliano Coin Leather Strappy Sandals 39
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in Mechanicsville, VA
Dior Retro Vintage John Galliano Coin Leather Strappy Sandals 39 Color Black Size 39 Heel Height 4in Leather upper Leather sole Silver finished coin embellishments with signature l...
Accented with a sculptural golden handle and a pair of swishy tassels, the design never went into production.
The visionary designer epitomizes the pleasures and perils of irrepressible creative genius.
