John Galliano F/W 1997 Suzy Sphinx Grey Ruched Suit Dress

“Because the best ideas are born from extremes.” - John Galliano

John Galliano’s Fall/Winter 1997 collection, aptly dubbed “Suzy Sphinx”, was a dazzling spectacle of theatrical fashion, merging the grandeur of Ancient Egypt with the raw edge of punk rock. As Vogue aptly described, the collection was “a spoof on Ancient Egypt as seen through the eyes of Hollywood,” where Cleopatra met Sid and Nancy, resulting in a high-voltage clash of luxury and rebellion. At the heart of Galliano’s vision was an opulent, surrealist fantasy, featuring models draped in gold lamé, trompe l’oeil tattoos, and safety-pin adorned gowns reminiscent of Egyptian royalty in a post-punk dystopia. One of the most striking pieces—a “jewel-of-the-Nile” dress constructed entirely out of safety pins—exemplified Galliano’s genius for deconstruction and excess. The runway itself was a theatrical masterpiece, featuring models who embodied the ethereal yet defiant energy of the collection, their looks accentuated by exaggerated kohl-lined eyes and towering Cleopatra-esque hairstyles paired with Catholic school uniform influences.

As seen on Look 11 on the runway, Kendall Jenner, Alexa Demie, and Kim Kardashian.