John Galliano facts for kids
John Charles Galliano (born 28 November 1960) is a famous British fashion designer. He was the main designer for his own fashion brand, John Galliano. He also worked for well-known French fashion houses like Givenchy and Dior. From 2014 to 2024, Galliano was the creative director for Maison Margiela in Paris. He won the 'British Designer of the Year' award four times. In 2004, a BBC poll even called him one of the most influential people in British culture.
Quick facts for kids
John Galliano
CBE, RDI
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Galliano in 2024
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Juan Carlos Antonio Galliano-Guillén
28 November 1960 Gibraltar
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| Nationality | British and Spanish |
| Education | Central Saint Martins |
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Label(s)
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| Partner(s) | Alexis Roche |
| Awards | British Fashion Designer of the Year for 1987, '94, '95 and '97 Dress of the Year Fashion Museum, Bath for 1987 Order of the British Empire (2001) French Legion of Honour (2009; revoked 2012) |
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Galliano was born in Gibraltar. His father was from Gibraltar with Italian roots, and his mother was Spanish. He has two sisters. His father worked as a plumber.
When John was six, his family moved to England. They lived in different parts of South London. He grew up in a Catholic family.
Galliano went to St. Anthony's School and Wilson's Grammar School in London. He then studied at Central Saint Martins, a famous art and design college. He finished his fashion design studies in 1984 with top grades.
His final collection was inspired by the French Revolution and called Les Incroyables (The Unbelievables). This collection got great reviews. A famous London fashion shop, Browns, bought his entire collection to sell.
Career in Fashion
Starting His Own Label
After his successful graduation show, Galliano started his own fashion brand. He worked with friends like stylist Amanda Harlech and hat designer Stephen Jones.
London Beginnings
Galliano rented a studio in London. He got financial help from people like Johan Brun and later Ole Peder Bertelsen. This help ended in 1988, and his London-based brand faced difficulties.
Moving to Paris
In 1989, Galliano moved to Paris to find more support and customers. He got help from Moroccan designer Faycal Amor. Amor invited him to set up his studio at the Plein Sud headquarters in Paris. Galliano's first show in Paris was in 1989 during Paris Fashion Week.
Famous people like Kylie Minogue have worked with Galliano. He designed costumes for her "Let's Get to It Tour" in 1991.
In 1993, Galliano's financial agreement with Amor ended. He missed showing a collection that season. But with help from Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of American Vogue, he met new financial supporters. This partnership helped Galliano gain more trust and success in Paris.
Working for Givenchy
In July 1995, Bernard Arnault, who owns the luxury company LVMH, chose Galliano to be the head designer for Givenchy. This was a big deal because Galliano was the first British designer to lead a French haute couture (high fashion) house.
On January 21, 1996, he showed his first couture collection for Givenchy. Fashion critics loved it. Later, Alexander McQueen took over from Galliano at Givenchy.
Designing for Dior
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In October 1996, LVMH moved Galliano to Christian Dior. He replaced Italian designer Gianfranco Ferré. At Dior, Galliano received a lot of praise for his high fashion and ready-to-wear collections. He was very successful during his time there.
For example, he designed the famous chartreuse (yellow-green) gown worn by actress Nicole Kidman at the 69th Academy Awards in 1997.
Leaving Dior
In 2011, Galliano faced public and legal issues. He was then removed from his role as creative director at Dior.
Working with Oscar de la Renta
In 2013, Galliano was invited by designer Oscar de la Renta to work temporarily in his design studio. This was to help prepare for a fashion show during New York Fashion Week. This opportunity was arranged by Anna Wintour.
Galliano stayed backstage at the show, which received good reviews. People wondered what his next steps would be. On June 12, 2013, Galliano gave his first filmed interview since leaving Dior. He said, "I am able to create. I am ready to create... [and] I hope through my atonement I'll be given a second chance."
Leading Maison Margiela
On October 6, 2014, the OTB Group announced that John Galliano would become the creative director of Maison Margiela. This marked his return to a major role in luxury fashion.
A few weeks later, at the annual British Fashion Awards, Galliano presented an award to Anna Wintour. She wore one of his first designs for Maison Martin Margiela, showing her support.
Galliano showed his first couture collection for Margiela on January 12, 2015. In 2018, he stated that he would stop using fur in his collections. He was inspired by a meeting with actress Penélope Cruz and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
On September 26, 2018, Galliano launched Mutiny, his first perfume for Maison Margiela. He left Maison Margiela in December 2024.
Honours and Awards
- British Designer of the Year (1987, 1994, 1995, 1997). In 1997, he shared the award with Alexander McQueen.
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2001 for his services to the fashion industry. He received his CBE at Buckingham Palace in London.
- RDI in 2002 for his contributions to fashion.
- Appeared on The Independent on Sunday's "pink list" in 2007 as one of "the most influential gay people in Britain."
- French Legion of Honour (2009). This award was later withdrawn in 2012.
Personal Life
In interviews, Galliano has given his full name as Juan Carlos Antonio Galliano-Guillén. He lives in Paris with his long-term partner, Alexis Roche, who is a style consultant. Galliano is vegetarian for health reasons. He told French Elle that "The energy that I get from having fewer toxins in my body is extraordinary."
See also
In Spanish: John Galliano para niños
