John Charles Galliano, born in 1960 in Gibraltar, hails from a devoutly Roman-Catholic family. Moving to England with his parents and two sisters in 1966, the family settled in Southeast London.

Galliano’s academic journey began at Wilson’s Grammar School in London, but his true passion lay in fashion design. He went on to pursue his studies at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, where he graduated with first-class honors. It was during this time that he showcased his debut collection, Les Incroyables, which drew inspiration from the French Revolution. The collection received immediate acclaim and was quickly purchased by the exclusive London fashion boutique, Browns.

With his undeniable talent and entrepreneurial spirit, Galliano wasted no time in establishing his own brand. Although he enjoyed success and a vibrant life in London, circumstances led him to relocate his base to Paris in 1988, a move advised by key influencers. Galliano’s inaugural collection in the French capital, unveiled in 1989 as part of Paris Fashion Week, marked the beginning of his international recognition. Despite experiencing financial hardships and filing for bankruptcy, Galliano persevered and finally settled in Paris permanently in 1990.

Supported by Anna Wintour and a group of investors, Galliano swiftly regained his footing in the world of haute couture. In 1995, he joined Givenchy, a prestigious fashion house under the umbrella of the renowned LVMH group. The following year, Galliano showcased his highly acclaimed first collection for Givenchy. However, his tenure with Givenchy was short-lived, as he was swiftly transferred to Dior, a label with which he would become synonymous. His association with Dior lasted an impressive fifteen years, until 2011 when he faced criminal charges and was subsequently found guilty of making racially offensive remarks in public.

Throughout the late 1990s to early 2011, Galliano devoted his creative prowess to designing numerous collections for both Dior and his eponymous label. These collections spanned from haute couture to ready-to-wear, solidifying his reputation as a visionary in the fashion industry. Additionally, Galliano delved into the world of perfumery in 2008 with the launch of his first fragrance, “John Galliano by John Galliano.” Regarded as mystical or gothic, this Eau de Parfum features prominent notes of incense, violet, iris, aldehydes, angelica, patchouli, and rose. In 2010, an Eau de Toilette version of the fragrance debuted, shortly followed by the presentation of Parlez-Moi d’Amour. The Parlez-Moi d’Amour collection, available in both Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum variations, centers around the scents of blueberry and rose. To date, Designer John Galliano has created ten distinctive fragrances, collaborating with perfumers Sophie Labbe, Christine Nagel, Aurelien Guichard, and Alienor Massenet.

As a fragrance brand, John Galliano has continuously evolved since its inception in 2008, with new editions released as recently as 2015. The brand’s olfactory offerings embody Galliano’s creative vision, delivering unique and captivating scents to those who appreciate the art of perfumery.