Zara x John Galliano: My Top Picks

John Galliano designing for Zara was not exactly something I was ever expecting to happen, but here we are. In Spring 2026 a two-year creative partnership between the famed designer and the Spanish fast fashion giant was announced. And after taking a closer look at the first collection, I have to admit that there are a few pieces that caught my eye.

The collaboration, called Re{form}, marks the beginning of a two-year creative partnership between the British designer and the Spanish high-street giant. Basically, rather than simply putting his name on a collection of basics, Galliano has been given the opportunity to revisit Zara’s archives and reinterpret them through his own distinctive design language.

As you may have already guessed, this collection feels rather different from what you might expect when you walk into Zara. There are dramatic silhouettes, playful accessories, and in true Galliano fashion, a touch of theatricality that makes even the most basic wardrobe staples feel a little bit more special.

The timing of this launch is also particularly interesting, coming shortly after the cancellation of the planned Spring 2027 exhibition dedicated to his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But while that story certainly deserves its own discussion, today I want to focus on the collection itself.

From a 100% silk dress to sculptural Mary Jane platforms and a statement coat trimmed with faux fur, these are the five pieces from the John Galliano x Zara Re{form} Vol. 1 collection that caught my eye — and the ones I think are worth a closer look.

1. Limited Edition 100% Silk Dress

If I were to choose just one piece from Re{form} Vol. 1, it would be this black silk dress.

The fitted silhouette combined with the off-the-shoulder neckline and voluminous fabric details give it a dramatic look without feeling overly excessive. And that is exactly what I like about this dress. The design makes a statement without trying too hard, which is not always easy to pull off.

Of course, at $999, it is hardly an impulse buy. But in its defense, the dress is made from 100% silk, and the elegant, relatively timeless silhouette makes it feel like more than just another trend-driven Zara piece. Whether it justifies the price ultimately comes down to the quality and construction, but purely from a design perspective, this is my favorite of the collection.

Shop the Limited Edition 100% Silk Dress at Zara

2. Limited Edition Leather Mary Jane Platforms

Mary Janes have been everywhere for the past few seasons, but these are not the sweet, understated flats you might associate with the style.

The brown leather platforms from the Re{form} Vol. 1 collection have a sculptural heel, a buckle fastening and a chunky silhouette that gives the shoe a much more dramatic personality than your classic Mary Jane. And with a heel height of approximately 4.9 inches, you can be sure these aren’t going to fade into the background.

Btw, is it just me, or do these shoes subtly reference Galliano’s work at Margiela? Idk, but there’s something about their proportions reminds me of the footwear he designed for the House.

Shop the Limited Edition Leather Mary Jane Platforms at Zara

3. Limited Edition Combined Tulle Coat with Faux Fur

I have to admit: the Combined Tulle Coat with Faux Fur from the Galliano x Zara Re{form} Vol. 1 collection feels more like a fashion statement than a practical wardrobe investment. With its sheer tulle, faux-fur details and dramatic silhouette, the coat is hardly what I’d reach for when temperatures start dropping. After all, how much warmth can you really expect from a largely see-through layer?

But perhaps practicality isn’t the point here. I actually think this coat could look incredibly interesting layered over a leather jacket, adding texture and a little theatrical drama to an otherwise fairly straightforward outfit. It could also work over a simple black dress if you wanted something a little more unexpected for an evening out.

Would I personally invest in it? I’m not entirely sure. But as far as pieces that capture the more experimental side of Galliano’s design aesthetic go, this one certainly makes an impression.

Shop the Limited Edition Combined Tulle Coat with Faux Fur at Zara

4. Limited Edition Dotted Mesh Scarf

Not every interesting piece needs to be a dress or a coat. Sometimes, it is the accessories that make an outfit feel more personal.

This dotted mesh scarf is one of my favorite picks precisely because it offers a relatively easy way to experiment with Galliano’s more playful aesthetic. Made from plumetis fabric, it features an asymmetric arrangement of ruffles that gives it more personality than your standard scarf.

I personally like the idea of wearing it with a rather simple outfit: a white shirt with jeans, a little black dress or even a basic knit paired with some black pant. The sheer fabric and dotted texture would introduce a little drama without requiring an entirely new wardrobe.

Shop the Limited Edition Dotted Mesh Scarf at Zara

5. Limited Edition Tri-Chic Small Leather Bag

Is it just me, or does the Tri-Chic Small Leather Bag from the Re{form} Vol. 1 collection give off serious Chanel 22 vibes with its relaxed silhouette and drawstring details?

What makes Galliano’s design different, though, is the ability to wear the bag in multiple ways, as well as the fact that it’s reversible. Yes, the Tri-Chic Small Leather Bag can also be worn as the backpack. And if at some point you get tired of its metallic leather exterior (although, why would you?), you can reverse it to reveal the patent leather on the other side.

Of course, it’s still a Zara bag, not a Chanel, but I think the design has enough personality to stand on its own. So, if you’re drawn to the laid-back look of the Chanel 22 but want something with a different feel, this is definitely one to check out from the collection.

Shop the Limited Edition Tri-Chic Small Leather Bag at Zara

Is the Galliano Zara Collaboration Worth it?

The first John Galliano x Zara collection has certainly given fashion enthusiasts something to discuss. And while I can appreciate the creative direction, I’m not entirely convinced that every piece justifies its price tag.

That’s right, let’s not forget that we’re talking about Zara here! A $999 silk dress or a $759 coat is hardly what most of us associate with the high street. Of course, the materials, construction and limited-edition nature of the collection all play a role, but at these prices, I’d expect the quality to live up to the design.

When it comes to deciding which pieces are worth it though, I think the winners will be those that balance Galliano’s more theatrical aesthetic with designs you can realistically imagine wearing for years to come.

The black silk dress? I can picture it being perfect for a night at the theatre or dinner at a nice restaurant. But the dotted mesh scarf? That’s the kind of accessory that can add a little Galliano touch to even the simplest outfit.

Anyways, I’m personally really curious to see where this partnership goes next — and whether the following releases will be just as interesting as this one.

Which pieces would you choose from the collection?