John Galliano (né en 1960)

Draft dress design for Dior

graphite and watercolor, signed and dated in black ink lower right “Paris 12th July 2005, for Doris, John Galliano”

42 x 30 cm ; 16 ½ x 11 ¾ in

Artistic Director of Dior (1996–2011)

John Galliano, the British fashion designer, became the artistic director of the women’s collections at the house of Christian Dior in 1996, succeeding Gianfranco Ferré. His arrival marked a major turning point: he brought to Dior a dramatic, theatrical, and romantic energy while honoring the brand’s classical heritage.

Galliano is distinguished by his extravagant, narrative-driven style. His runway shows—true spectacles—blend historical references, literary and cultural influences, and the traditional craftsmanship of haute couture: corsetry, embroidery, draping, and pleating. The silhouettes he created celebrated romanticism, femininity, and sophistication, redefining Dior’s image for an international clientele and a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.

During his tenure, he produced iconic collections inspired by history (notably collections influenced by Marie Antoinette or paying homage to the East and Japan) and by mythology, while collaborating with renowned photographers and artists to elevate the presentation of the collections (Helmut Newton, Nick Knight, Annie Leibovitz). His work at Dior highlights the importance of theatre and poetry in haute couture, helping to establish Dior as a symbol of innovation and prestige in contemporary fashion.