John Galliano Biography

Vita

• 1976

  Leaves Wilson's Grammar School for Boys to study textile design at East London College.

• 1980

  Galliano enrolls at the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.

• 1984

  Graduates with a first class honors degree in fashion design with a collection inspired by the French Revolution entitled “Les Incroyables”, which is bought in its entirety by the boutique Browns.
  
  Launches his own eponymous label with long-time collaborators Amanda Harlechand and milliner Stephen Jones.

• 1985

  A model throws fresh mackerel into the audience from the catwalk at one of his shows, perfectly embodying the absurdist theatricality that would become Galliano's trademark.

• 1987

  British Fashion Council Designer of the Year.

• 1989

  Moves to Paris in search of financial backing and a strong client base.
  
  Paris-based Moroccan designer Faycal Amor invites him to set up his base in Paris at the Plein Sud headquarters.
  
  He struggles financially, but receives support from influential figures such as Anna Wintour and André Leon Talley. His first show at the Paris Fashion Week takes place that year, marking his entry into the haute couture scene.

• 1990

  Galliano goes bankrupt.

• 1991

  First fashion show in Paris.
  
  Designs costumes for Kylie Minogue's Let's Get to It tour.

• 1994

  British Fashion Council Designer of the Year.
  
  After his second bankruptcy, his business is rescued by investment banker John A. Bul. He sets up a new workshop near the Place de la Bastille in Paris.

• 1995

  British Fashion Council Designer of the Year.
  
  Galliano is appointed creative director of Givenchy, becoming the first British designer to head a French haute couture house. He succeeds Hubert de Givenchy.

• 1996

  His first couture collection is presented at the Stade de France to critical acclaim.
  
  Later that year, LVMH brings Galliano to Christian Dior following the departure of Gianfranco Ferré. His tenure at Dior becomes one of his most celebrated periods, during which he creates iconic pieces.

• 1997

  British Fashion Council Designer of the Year.
  
  Nicole Kidman wears one of his gowns as the Chartreuse at the Academy Awards.

• 2009

  Awarded the Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor.

• 2010

  His reputation is threatened after taped anti-Semitic remarks emerge.

• 2011

  Galliano is arrested for these anti-Semitic remarks, leading to his suspension and eventual dismissal from Dior. The incident marks a significant turning point in his career, as he faces public backlash and legal consequences.
  
  He is ordered to pay a total of 6,000 euros ($8,400) in suspended fines.

• 2013

  A Guardian article describing the Galliano incident claims that “fashion has forgiven John Galliano.”
  
  After spending time in rehab for addiction issues, Galliano begins his comeback by accepting a position at Oscar de la Renta's studio. He helps Oscar de la Renta prepare a ready-to-wear collection for New York Fashion Week.
  
  This opportunity allows him to re-enter the fashion world while working on his personal recovery.

• 2014

  Galliano is named creative director of Maison Margiela. His return is marked by innovative collections that combine historical inspiration with modern aesthetics. Under his leadership, Margiela's sales double, demonstrating his continued influence in fashion.