Marta Ortega wore the first look from the John Galliano x Zara Re{form} collection to the Balenciaga show at Paris Fashion Week, hours before it reached stores. She was the first to wear the line, putting a face to Zara’s biggest designer collaboration yet.
The Re{form} collection launched at 10 a.m. today. It draws on John Galliano’s early work, particularly his 1984 Les Incroyables collection from Central Saint Martins. Zara describes it as “a proposal, without gender distinction, based on archetypal garments and accessories re{form}ed through haute couture techniques and reproduced in new materials.” The collection spans layered outerwear and sharp tailoring, with bold knitwear alongside bias-cut dresses. It includes more than a hundred items and accessories, priced from 29 to 600 euros. The Guardian and other leading fashion outlets report that Galliano and Zara’s partnership will run for two years, extending beyond a one-off capsule. WWD reported that the collection was presented in Paris during Fashion Week at a discreet launch event in a historic Marais mansion.
For her Paris appearance, Ortega chose a lightweight satin jacket custom-made for her. The shirt-jacket hybrid can be hard to recognize at first. It has a detachable faux-fur collar, while its sleeves and hem can also be removed. That flexibility is basic to the collection: a quick change can shift the look from subtle to bold. Ortega paired it with black trousers and mini-heeled leather shoes with multiple straps, a highlight of the line designed to balance comfort with style.
Ortega’s choice was direct and personal, setting the tone for the collection’s reception. In Spain, a public appearance can spark an overnight rush for a new trend, as previous stories about Spanish celebrities shaping what people wear have shown. Vogue reports that the idea for the collaboration emerged in 2022, after Galliano and Ortega met; development began in early 2026.
Re{form} brings Galliano’s history to Zara’s global reach in a genderless collection with couture-inspired construction. Prices range from affordable to premium, putting the line within reach for many while giving it special status. ELLE España and Harper’s Bazaar Japan have both noted its scale: more than 100 pieces and accessories, a larger offering than most of Zara’s previous designer capsules. FashionNetwork reports that Galliano said working with Zara restored his spontaneity and energy. He also credited his friendship with Marta Ortega as basic to making the project possible. The collection is described as “authored by couturier John Galliano” and built around reimagined Zara archive pieces made using couture-level techniques.
By wearing the collection first, Ortega also signalled where Inditex wants to go. Her partnership with Galliano, together with her appearance as the first ambassador, shows Zara’s ambition to lead the conversation between luxury and fast fashion. The Re{form} launch could shape future collaborations across the industry, while Ortega’s public support gives the project immediate weight.
