John Galliano facts for kids

John Charles Galliano (born 28 November 1960) is a famous British fashion designer. He is known for his imaginative and dramatic designs. Over his long career, he has been the head designer, or creative director, for his own brand and for major French fashion companies like Givenchy and Dior.

From 2014 to 2024, Galliano was the creative director for the Paris fashion house Maison Margiela. He has won the British Designer of the Year award four times. In a 2004 poll, he was named one of the most important people in British culture.

Early Life and School

John Galliano was born in Gibraltar, a British territory connected to Spain. His father was a plumber with Italian roots, and his mother was Spanish. When Galliano was six, his family moved to England and settled in South London.

He attended Wilson's Grammar School and later studied at the famous art school Central Saint Martins. He graduated in 1984 with a top degree in Fashion Design. His final school project was a collection of clothing inspired by the French Revolution. It was so good that a popular London store, Browns, bought the entire collection to sell.

Career in Fashion

A John Galliano outfit that was named Dress of the Year in 1987.

Starting His Own Brand

After his success in school, Galliano started his own fashion label. He worked with talented people like stylist Amanda Harlech and hat designer Stephen Jones. At first, he had trouble with money and his business struggled.

In 1989, Galliano moved to Paris, the center of the fashion world. He hoped to find new customers and support for his brand. With help from important people in the fashion industry, including Vogue editor Anna Wintour, he was able to get the money he needed. His 1993 collection in Paris was a huge success and made him a star in high fashion.

Givenchy

In 1995, Galliano's talent was noticed by Bernard Arnault, the head of the luxury company LVMH. Arnault hired him to be the head designer at Givenchy, a famous French fashion house. This was a big deal, as Galliano was the first British designer to lead a French haute couture (high fashion) house.

His first show for Givenchy in 1996 was a huge hit with fashion experts. His designs were praised for being creative and beautiful.

Dior

Ballgowns designed by Galliano for Dior, shown at an exhibition in Moscow in 2011.

A Dior dress by Galliano with a newspaper print, now in a museum.

In 1996, Galliano moved to another famous LVMH brand, Christian Dior. He was the creative director there for almost 15 years. His work at Dior is considered some of his best. He created amazing collections that were like works of art.

During his time at Dior, Galliano designed many famous items. This includes the popular Dior Saddle bag and a stunning green dress worn by actress Nicole Kidman at the 69th Academy Awards in 1997.

In 2011, Galliano was fired from Dior after a video showed him making very offensive and hurtful comments in public. This was a difficult time in his career.

Working with Oscar de la Renta

After leaving Dior, Galliano took time away from fashion. In 2013, he was invited by designer Oscar de la Renta to work with him in New York. Galliano helped prepare for a fashion show, working behind the scenes.

This was seen as a step toward returning to the fashion world. In an interview, he said he was ready to create again and hoped to be given a second chance.

Maison Margiela

In October 2014, Galliano made his official return to fashion. He was named the creative director of Maison Margiela, a respected Paris fashion house. His first collection for Margiela was shown in January 2015 and received good reviews.

While at Margiela, Galliano announced that he would stop using real fur in his designs. He also launched his first perfume for the brand. Galliano left his role at Maison Margiela in December 2024.

Awards and Honours

• British Designer of the Year: He won this award in 1987, 1994, 1995, and 1997.
• Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE): In 2001, he received this honour for his work in the fashion industry.
• Royal Designer for Industry (RDI): He was given this title in 2002.
• French Legion of Honour: He received this award in 2009, but it was later withdrawn in 2012.

Personal Life

Galliano has said that his love for theater and powerful female figures inspires his designs. He lives in Paris with his long-term partner, Alexis Roche, who is a style consultant.

See also

In Spanish: John Galliano para niños