falling star fashion designer, British John Galliano will leave Maison Margiela, his refuge for ten years, after he was dismissed from Dior for anti-Semitic comments that suddenly put an end to his career.
“Today is the day I say goodbye to Maison Margiela,” he wrote in an Instagram post, without saying more about his location.
“The rumours… Everyone wants to know and everyone wants to dream. When the time comes, everything will be revealed,” he said, while the world of fashion has been debating his future for the past few months, in the context of a game of musical chairs at the head of the big houses.First, Chanel, without an artistic director as Virginie Viard announced her departure in June.
In a message mixing the intimate with the professional, showing his “14 years of sobriety”, John Galliano says “thanks to his fashion family for this creative moment” that “saved his life”, “a cocoon we created together. ”
the designer, considered one of the brightest of his generation, was able to rewrite the legend of the house of Dior for 15 years with extraordinary creative energy, directing sumptuous and extravagant fashion shows, and controlling over the image of the brand.
But everything changed in 2011, when the altercation involved the drunken designer against the customers of a bar in Paris, which provoked anti-Semitic insults. Dior announced the dismissal of its star creator,who was fined 6,000 euros suspended in court six months later.
Crossing the desert
It was followed by a journey through the desert of three and a half years in which he created the wedding dress for his friend Kate Moss in the summer of 2011 and brought a very remarkable touch to the oscar de la Renta fashion show in February 2013.
After detoxification,insisting he was neither racist nor anti-Semitic,he found refuge in the discreet but influential Maison Margiela,who appointed him artistic director.
The label, whose models often feature their faces to draw attention to the clothes, seemed to correspond perfectly with the designer’s desire to break with his old passions.
In his post on Instagram, he pays tribute to Renzo Rosso, owner of the OTB group that owns Maison Margiela: “The most valuable gift he gave me was to give me the prospect, once again, to find my creative voice when I was lost. it.”
He also says that Martin Margiela himself told him when he arrived: “take what you want from the DNA of the house, protect yourself and go your way…you know how to do it”.
Including: his January 2024 fashion show moved the 250 spectators to tears with his exuberant “Artisanal” collection, inspired by the “fin de siècle” of Paris.
“Avant-garde”
“Martin made this house a reference and an icon, John made it the most avant-garde fashion house in the world,” suggested Renzo Rosso, in a press release from the OTB group on Wednesday, adding “I know we will be able to collaborate on other projects in the future.”
galliano, whose real name is Juan Carlos Galliano, was born in 1960 in Gibraltar into a modest family: his father juan, Anglo-Italian, is a plumber, and his mother Anita, Spanish, is a lover of flamenco.
At the age of six,the boy managed to reach the working class of south-west London. After the prestigious Saint Martins School in London, where his graduation collection “Les Incroyables” inspired by the French Revolution caused a sensation, he launched his ready-to-wear brand in 1984. In 1987, the British Fashion council named him Creator of the Year.
In 1990, he moved to Paris and was appointed to Givenchy in 1995. The following year was his success: he took the reins of creation at Dior. the first outfit he created was a dress worn by Lady Di for the label’s 50th anniversary.
Throughout the collections, John Galliano stands out for his art of cutting, his mastery of draping, his clever combinations of noble materials, his humor in his colours.
his fashion shows are real spectacles, which also shock, like the collection “Tramps” (2000) inspired by the rags of the homeless.
How has John Galliano’s past affected his reputation in the fashion industry?
Interview between time.news Editor and Fashion Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with renowned fashion expert, Dr.Emily Harper,to discuss the recent departure of designer John Galliano from Maison Margiela. Emily, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Harper: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Galliano’s exit is causing quite a stir in the fashion world. After a tumultuous history, including his dismissal from Dior for anti-Semitic remarks, how do you think this latest move will impact his legacy and the fashion industry?
Dr. Harper: It’s a complex situation,really. Galliano is undeniably a talented designer,known for his theatrical and innovative approach. Though, his past controversies have cast a long shadow over his career. Leaving Maison Margiela after a decade signals yet another chapter in this ongoing narrative. I think it’s essential to recognize that while his fashion contributions are notable, his past actions complicate how he will be remembered.
Editor: That makes sense. He mentioned in his farewell post on Instagram that “everyone wants to know and everyone wants to dream” regarding his future. What do you think is next for him?
Dr. Harper: Galliano is a creative force,and I believe he’ll continue to push boundaries wherever he lands next. the phrase “everyone wants to know” suggests that there is an anticipation for his next move,possibly hinting at a comeback or a new project that could surprise the industry. Many designers have adapted successfully after facing scandals, and it could be that Galliano’s next endeavor reflects a more matured perspective.
Editor: speaking of anticipation, the fashion world has been experiencing a sort of ‘musical chairs’ with designers moving between major houses.How do you think this trend affects emerging talents in the industry?
Dr. Harper: It creates a double-edged sword.On one hand, it opens up opportunities for new talent to fill the gaps left by these established designers. On the other hand, it can also lead to an oversaturation of the same few names being recycled within high-profile brands, which might stifle fresh, innovative ideas. the turnover in leadership can disrupt the continuity needed for long-term brand advancement, while also producing exciting new collaborations.
Editor: And what about the impact on brands themselves? With such a public exit from Galliano, how do you think Maison Margiela will fare moving forward?
Dr. Harper: Maison Margiela has always been known for its avant-garde and conceptual approach to fashion. They might choose to take this opportunity to redefine their brand identity post-Galliano. It’s not uncommon for houses to evolve after a shift in leadership. The key will be whether they can maintain their unique voice while exploring new directions with a fresh designer.
Editor: Great insights, Emily! As we wrap up, what’s one key takeaway you’d like our readers to remember regarding Galliano’s departure and its broader implications?
Dr. Harper: I think it’s essential for our readers to understand that fashion is never static. Galliano’s exit reminds us that the industry is constantly evolving—not just in terms of talent and trends, but also in how it addresses vital social issues. As consumers, we play a role in influencing these shifts, so it’s vital to support brands that uphold values of inclusivity and respect while embracing innovative design.
Editor: Thank you,Dr. Harper, for sharing your expertise today. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
Dr. Harper: The pleasure is mine! Thank you for having me.