John Galliano for Dior was revolutionary. Love him or hate him, Galliano’s love for themes and spectacles produced game changing presentations for the fashion industry. His time as a dresser at the National Theatre while studying at Central Saint Martins explains his love for theatrics. One of his earliest collections for Dior was a worldly blend of cultures, from 18th century British style dresses, African and East Asian neck lengthening rings to Indian beading and embroidery and French Renaissance hair styling. Dubbed the Matrix Collection, even though it was a mixture of themes, this show was flooded with futurism and drew inspiration from the same name film. The runway took place at the Orangerie in the Palace of Versailles on top of water beds. Aaron O’connor opened the show as Queen Nefertiti. For the Egyptian collection, the models in hieroglyphics and Cleopatra inspired headdresses. The runway was transformed into an Egyptian temple. A trip to Cairo and Luxor LED to this collection. Inspired by the opera, the Madam Butterfly Collection merged Japanese aesthetics with western couture, opulent kimonos, dramatic silhouettes and intricate embroidery. Galliano’s final Dior show marked the end of an era and celebrated his signature style theatrical makeup, exaggerated femininity and elaborate hair styling. This show paid homage to 20th century illustrators with models styled like living fashion sketches. Which Galliano show is your favourite of all time?