Inside Collector Jeauni Cassanova’s Wardrobe, Filled with Rare Galliano

By Christian Allaire

“Get ready with me” videos are not uncommon on TikTok—but few are doing it like Jeauni Cassanova. Instead of getting dressed in your everyday jeans or sweaters, you’ll find Cassanova slipping into rare Christian Dior jackets, one-of-a-kind Vivienne Westwood gowns, and ginormous vintage feathered hats. They’re ensembles worthy of a haute couture catwalk! It made us wonder: Who is this mystery fashion collector?

By day, Cassanova is the co-founder of Isshï, a contemporary jewelry label that was even worn by Carrie’s neighbor on And Just Like That this season. “[My partner Rolly Robínson and I] launched the line right before the pandemic,” says Cassanova. “A lot of it is inspired by the ocean; We use a lot of freshwater pearls. It’s very whimsical, but sophisticated.” But it’s Cassanova’s epic wardrobe collection—including Galliano-era Dior, Chanel Couture, and Marc Jacobs—that’s the real story.

Cassanova’s eclectic array of designers is impressive, given it’s only a few years in the making. Cassanova recalls roughly beginning the collection back in 2018, after spotting a monogrammed Christian Dior Bar jacket from fall 2005. It was a steal, at just over $400. “I’m the type of hunter where, if something is being sold for $2,000, I’m going to find it for $500,” says Cassanova. “That jacket catapulted my obsession with Galliano for Dior.” From there, Cassanova began amassing even more Galliano-era pieces, now estimating the collection to include over 70 pieces (of just Galliano-era Dior). “What drew me to Galliano was his celebration of the femme,” says Cassanova. “It’s not just about being delicate or feminine—he has this edge to it. It’s sexy, daring, and bold.”

Other covetable Dior pieces in Cassanova’s possession? A Dior’s fall 2003 koi fish top-and-skirt set—complete with the matching heels, of course. “It’s one of my bad habits, but if there’s a full look, I’m going to buy every piece,” says Cassanova. The collection also includes Dior’s Saddle bags, pointy Y2K monogrammed boots, and naturally, the much-coveted Dior diamanté logo ring set. “Throughout my entire Dior journey, the rings were the one thing that I just could not get my hands on,” says Cassanova. “Finally, I ended up finding them for $1,400 on Vestiaire. I was like, ‘This bitch doesn't know what they have.”

Cassanova’s love for Galliano has extended into collecting the designer’s pieces at Margiela, his current fashion house. “I just got these frayed heels, some gloves, and a dress from the [Margiela] sample sale,” says Cassanova. The strapless green gown, in a gorgeous rubbery-silk, was meant to be. “I actually tried it on in the store, and was texting the sales associate about it,” says Cassanova. “I ended up getting it on the second last day of the sample sale—it was 80 percent off!” It’s not just sample sale scores in Cassanova’s collection, however. In addition to scouring the expected sites such as eBay, The RealReal, and Vestiaire, Cassanova counts QV Archive as a favorite, as well as more unexpected websites. “My secret for shopping is, you Google consignment shops in different states where there’s a lot of money, then go on their websites,” says Cassanova. “A lot of the time, they’re small businesses, so you can negotiate.”

As for other designers in Cassanova’s vast wardrobe, there’s tons of Vivienne Westwood pieces. This includes over 40 items including shapely lace gowns, and cinched corsets, and plaid ponchos. “Westwood, like Galliano, is very focused on beautiful construction,” says Cassanova. “Everything feels so intentional.” Cassanova’s assortment of Marc Jacobs pieces—another lover of strong silhouettes—is also growing. The prized possession? This ruffle-sleeved finale gown from Jacobs’s fall 2018 collection, which Cassanova scored at a sample sale for $50 (yes, really). “I’ve worn it everywhere from a casual dinner to the opera,” says Cassanova. The truly priceless treasure, however, is a recent follow from Galliano on Instagram. “I died,” Cassanova says.

Where does Cassanova keep all these designer treasures, you may wonder? Funny enough, they mostly fit in Cassanova’s New Jersey apartment—in every inch of it, that is, including every closet and some rolling racks, too. “Even all of the storage under our bed is clothing,” says Cassanova. “We also have a small storage unit.” It may sound excessive, but every single piece is worn and loved. “If I’m buying something, I’m wearing it—it deserves a life,” says Cassanova. “I’ve definitely ruined a thing or two by being that way, because I’m on the dance floor and, somehow, I’m suddenly on the floor.”