John Galliano’s departure from Maison Margiela is the fashion equivalent of a cliffhanger, one that’s left us all waiting for the next chapter in his legendary career. After a decade at the helm of the house, Galliano’s exit feels like the closing of a magnificent, surreal act. For he didn’t merely design clothes at Margiela; he reinvented the runway, producing fashion spectacles that were part art, part performance, and all parts jaw-dropping. From meticulously designed couture to viral red-carpet moments, Galliano’s Margiela legacy will be remembered for marrying his penchant for theatrics with the house’s avant-garde spirit. As we bid him farewell, let’s take a look back at some of his most unforgettable moments at Maison Margiela.
A DEBUT TO REMEMBER
Galliano’s first show for Margiela was more than just a debut; it was a comeback. After a controversial hiatus, this collection marked his return to fashion with a breathtaking mix of Margiela’s deconstruction and Galliano’s flamboyant opulence. Models glided down the runway in high-concept couture, a visual feast of grit, glamour, and wit. The collection was a nod to his past while setting the stage for his future at the house.
HIS FIRST READY-TO-WEAR COLLECTION
For his first ready-to-wear collection for Fall/Winter 2025, Galliano revisited his signature hourglass silhouette, reimagining it in unexpected, playful ways. Who else but Galliano could take dishwashing gloves and paper bags and make them feel haute couture? It was a collection that combined high glamour with a sense of everyday life, ensuring that his ready-to-wear pieces became just as iconic as his couture work.
TULLE PORTRAIT COAT SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Galliano took the concept of a “portrait” to a different level with his Spring/Summer 2017 collection by collaborating with artist Benjamin Shine. The tulle portraits were nothing short of magical. The portraits weren’t a part of the show set or printed onto the collection but ironed onto the fabric.
RIHANNA’S 2018 MET GALA LOOK
Galliano’s design for Rihanna at the 2018 Met Gala was a standout moment. Dressed in a rhinestone-encrusted coat, minidress, and papal hat, Rihanna embodied the theme of “Heavenly Bodies” in the most spectacular way. The look, which channeled the grandeur of the papacy, immediately went viral and became one of the most talked-about fashion moments in Met Gala history.
ALL THE HASTE AT SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Galliano’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection embraced the concept of “dressing in haste,” with models walking the runway as if they were rushing through their day in glamorous fashion. The theme played out with accessories like luxury leather neck pillows and boarding-tag-adorned bags, adding an element of cheeky luxe to the chaos. It was a brilliant commentary on modern life, where fashion is often thrown together in a flurry but still looks effortlessly chic. The collection felt both unpolished and refined, making it one of Galliano’s most relatable yet daring moments at Margiela.
PORCELAIN MAKEUP 2024
Galliano’s Spring 2024 Couture show was a visual masterpiece. Models or porcelain dolls? That was the big question of the night. It looked like something from a bygone era—dramatic, ethereal, and deeply cinematic. Models moved with purpose, strutting in oversized garments that told a story of fantasy and escapism. The show felt like a tribute to the golden age of fashion shows, proving Galliano’s genius for turning a runway into a stage. Pat McGrath’s ethereal glass-skin look perfectly complemented Galliano’s vision, creating an otherworldly effect that made the models look like living sculptures. The attention to detail in the makeup further solidified Galliano’s ability to create a fully realized fashion experience.
ZENDAYA’S 2024 MET GALA LOOK
Zendaya’s 2024 Met Gala look was a nod to Galliano’s past, as she wore a custom creation inspired by his iconic 1999 Dior collection. The look was a masterclass in texture and movement. Bands of hand-painted metallic crinoline added depth, while a dramatic drape and bow made of aluminum material and iridescent organza gave the piece an otherworldly shimmer. Galliano’s meticulous craftsmanship extended to a corsage embroidered with natural motifs in electric blue and emerald, seamlessly blending nature with couture. The entire look was an artful combination of modern glamour and whimsical fantasy, reinforcing Zendaya’s place as a true fashion icon.
ARIANA GRANDE’S ENCHANTING MET GALA MOMENT
When Ariana Grande walked the Met Gala red carpet in 2024, in a creation by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, it was nothing short of magic. The couture look, crafted with an intricate blend of off-white cotton, crinoline, tulle, and piano cords, enveloped her in an ethereal spider web design. The delicate smock beneath, hand-smocked and lace-trimmed, revealed a stunning forest-green tulle dress adorned with rosette appliqué and hand-sprayed gold dust, capturing the imagination with its celestial details. The hand-painted leather Tabi pumps, completed with matching draped tulle fronts by Christian Louboutin, further amplified the otherworldly vibe. Galliano’s ‘aquarelling’ technique, inspired by Kees Van Dongen, added a painterly, almost dreamlike quality to the entire ensemble. This look, with its nods to Cecil Beaton and its infusion of fairy-tale elements, was pure fantasy made flesh, proving that Galliano’s couture still reigns as a realm of awe and wonder.
As Galliano steps away from the house, it’s clear that he has left an indelible mark on the fashion world, one that will continue to inspire, shock, and awe for years to come.
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