News of John Galliano's departure from Maison Margiela has spread far and wide. The British designer said his goodbyes to Maison Margiela in his heartfelt letter on a post via Instagram.
After a tumultuous career, Galliano was given a second chance by Renzo Rosso, the CEO of OTB Group, Maison Margiela's parent company. Renzo has become one of the important figures in Galliano's life. He gave Galliano the chance to express his true self again through his fashion and creativity.
John Galliano was appointed the Creative Director of Maison Margiela in 2014. He made his first debut for Maison Margiela in the Spring 2015 Couture in London. Since then, Galliano has continued to influence and dazzle the fashion world.
7 Iconic John Galliano shows during his time at Maison Margiela
John Galliano brought minimalism and avant-garde creations to life while he was working as Maison Margiela's creative director.
Here are some of his top designs:
1) ARTISANAL Collection 2024
This collection is where Galliano brought magic to the mundane. The focus of the ARTISANAL Collection in 2024 was to express our inner selves, the personality that we hide when we cover ourselves up with clothes.
The show depicts a gothic vibe inspired by Paris nights. His designs have the signature hourglass silhouette.
2) Surreal Tulle Portrait Dresses for Spring 2017
With this design, Galliano tip-toes the line between art and fashion. The exemplary manner in which the black tulle is draped on the dress to form a face is striking.
The combination of the solid dress underneath and the ghost-like quality of the draping is a testament to Galliano's craftsmanship.
3) Katy Perry's Met Gala Look 2017
During the Met Gala 2017, Katy Perry wore John Galliano's Margiela men's coat. The silhouette is so unique that you can tell it has the Galliano touch. The coat was cut in such a way that the underdress could be seen.
The outfit was paired with a red matching veil with the words "Witness" embroidered on it.
4) Rihanna's 2018 Met Gala Look
If there was one Met Gala look that would never be forgotten, it is Rihanna's 2018 look. Drawing heavy inspiration from the church, complete with the papal hat, Rihanna's look is encrusted in rhinestones from head to toe.
The mini dress, coat, and papal hat fit the 2018 theme 'Heavenly Bodies' to a T.
5) Zendaya's Met Gala 2024 Look
One of the best looks at the Met 2024, Zendaya dons a Galliano dress to the 'Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion' show. The dress is a custom Galliano that was inspired by a Dior Spring 1999 dress.
Many fans across the internet have given this look a name, the "Hunger Games" dress.
6) Co-ed Collection 2023
John Galliano is known for his art of layering. This 2023 collection is inspired by Count and Hen, the protagonists of Cinema Inferno. The concept of this collection is to repurpose old clothes and the idea of dressing up in a rush.
Galliano has brilliantly captured the speed of living a daily life in the city, or rather a corporate life paired with hand-me-downs.
7) Maison Margiela Artisanal Spring / Summer 2015 Shoes
The Maison Margiela Artisinal Spring / Summer 2015 was Galliano's debut for the fashion house. Reports claimed that people actually cried because of how beautiful the show was.
Here is a glimpse of the shoes that John Galliano designed for his Spring / Summer 2015 Margiela debut.
Maison Margiela Model Walks
The model walks at any Margiela show are always phenomenal. Galliano has perfectly captured the essence of models from the 90s in these walks. At every Galliano show, fans are waiting for art to unravel in front of their eyes every time a model steps foot onto the ramp.
Some famous and viral Galliano model walks are Leon Dame at the Spring 2020 collection and his opening walk for Maison Margiela's Artisinal Collection 2024.
The years John Galliano has spent at Maison Margiela will always be remembered as his most transformative years in the fashion industry. He has brought to life his unparalleled vision in each and every collection, dress, and show he has produced.