Bill Gaytten

Born: Cheltenham, England, 1960

Bill Gaytten trained originally as an architect, studying at the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London. After graduation he was offered a job at Victor Edelstein, a couture house that dressed socialites and royalty. After accepting the position, Gaytten’s interests changed to fashion.

After three years employment, Gaytten left Victor Edelstein to join John Galliano. He worked alongside Galliano at his label and when Galliano started working at Christian Dior in 1996, Gaytten moved with him.

Gaytten worked behind Galliano on both his eponymous label and at Dior for 23 years. After Galliano’s public sacking from Dior and John Galliano, Gaytten was named as an interim designer for Dior until a permanent replacement could be found. Gaytten was appointed creative director at John Galliano shortly after.

Gaytten’s first menswear collection for Galliano, presented in June 2011, received tepid reviews and his first couture show for Dior in July 2011 received strong criticism. In march 2012 Dior named Stefano Pilati as new Creative Director at Dior, relieving Gaytten from his interim duties.

Gaytten had received a difficult inheritance. Taking over John Galliano in negative circumstances put him in the spotlight. Known for his expertise in pattern cutting, Gaytten’s cut and drape define the fashion house. His sharp tailoring combines with the perfect amount of glamour and romanticism that his former boss was known for.