^ Oh don't get me wrong, I love Spring 2003 couture collection. It was the right kind of costumey, and was very innovative in ways that wasn't expected whilst still being so clear with the research and references that didn't make it all so obvious. Then there's the extravaganza of Fall 2003 which again was the right kind, but the following two were a trajectory that became a little too much.
But Galliano went through many of these phases during his time at Dior. Causes a strange cord to get cut that makes for a great following collection/s. Without the backlash of Fall 1998, we wouldn't get the personal palate cleanser of Spring 1999 (that wasn't that great, but was welcomed) which brought about Fall 1999 "Matrix" collection which kick started a new phase. Happens again between Fall 2004 and Spring 2005, then from Spring 2008-ish to the end of his tenure the whole push pull of it all was happening rapidly. Spring 2009 to Spring 2010 couture were kind of awful (particularly 2010... horrible stuffy satin pieces I'm sorry), but then Fall 2011 rolls around is fresh by comparison. This is all a bit generalised, because you also have moments like the 'Eyes Wide Shut'/Visconti collection.
It's always interesting to revisit his sets of collections, because much like his shows, Galliano's design tenure has very distinctive acts. Somewhat evident at Margiela too.