John Galliano SS1998 Black Pointelle Knit and Mesh Dress

Constructed in black stretch pointelle with sheer mesh panels, this Galliano dress masters the balance between lingerie and eveningwear through its interplay of opacity and transparency. The silhouette is body-skimming, with openwork textures creating moments of reveal without breaking the line of the dress. The square neckline is framed by five slender straps, two of which are designed to drape off the shoulders for a sensual, slightly undone look. Openwork detailing highlights the décolletage, while the hem releases into a soft flare that adds movement to the lower half. The most striking element is the sheer mesh section above the knees. Placed unexpectedly within the otherwise continuous pointelle construction, it creates a sudden moment of transparency that feels so bold and sensual. It gives the dress its distinctly Galliano tension between intimacy and theatricality.

🫧 Reference: This dress is a documented piece from the iconic John Galliano Spring/Summer 1998 runway. The equivalent look in white — a longer version of the same construction — appeared as look 2 of the show. The pointelle knit and mesh construction was a defining material of the collection, appearing across multiple looks. 

🫧 Measurement: 
       Tagged size: N/A (approximately S), very stretchy
       Bust: 74 cm / 29.2 in
       Waist: 64 cm / 25.2 in
       Hip: 80 cm / 31.4 in
       Length: 107 cm / 42.1 in

       All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat. Please allow for some margin
      of error depending on fabric, stretch, and construction.

🫧 Fabric: Viscose

🫧 Condition: Excellent — 9/10. One small snag on the mesh at the back near the hem (last pic). The snag has been repaired and will not deteriorate further; it is not visible when worn.