Someone who should have been as lauded as much as his creative director peers, ruined by his behavior, John Galliano, is a disgraced (to me) designer and creative director most known for his past work with Givenchy, his eponymous brand, and most notably DIOR. He is currently the creative director of Maison Margiela. 

Known now more for his antisemitic and racist remarks than for his pioneering work of the late 90s and early 00s that transcends time and looks fresh even today, it is a wonder that Galliano is still in the spotlight. Under his tutelage with Maison Margiela since 2014, Galliano has worked silently to rehabilitate his image and move the attention to his handiwork behind the scenes instead of at the forefront. 

UNTIL NOW. 

This January, Margiela unveiled its artisanal collective for Couture Fashion Week. An instant hit, this collection was praised on all fronts: the production value, the environment, the unreal makeup by the incredible Pat McGrath, and of course the CREATIVE DIRECTION. 

“Featuring a level of theatrics not seen since Galliano’s tenure at Dior, it’s been heralded by critics as the show of the decade”.

Prestige, 2024

The name Galliano had begun to find its way onto people’s lips once again. 

Eyebrows were (understandably) raised at this slight cultural shift. Has the fashion community finally forgiven Galliano? Does he even deserve to be forgiven?

“And I can’t think of any single parallel between an artist or designer who’s come back to a higher level after this kind of catastrophe than he was before. And that’s kind of unique for anyone who’s been in that position who’s been cancelled.”

“High & Low: John Galliano” director Kevin MacDonald

As the question remains on the critics’ minds, it seemed like the Galliano – PR machine seemed to pick up momentum. 

At the annual fashion event of the year, the Met Gala, some of the most high-profile celebrities were spotted with pieces from the famous collection. Met Gala chair member Zendaya’s first show-stopping look to end her Met Gala hiatus was a look from the recent Margiela collection. 

Even her second surprise look to end the night was an archive Galliano look, this time his work with Givenchy. 

Double Galliano. 

Many others were spotted at the Gala with the Margiela-Galliano collection such as Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande.

It almost seems like the fashion community is “ready to cancel Galliano” (cue the James Charles PR disaster with Cosmopolitan). 

SEE: James Charles Would Like to be Uncanceled, Please

And this comes to head with the new documentary “High & Low: John Galliano”. 

Opening with the 2010(?) scandal and culminating with the success of the artisanal show, the CONDE NAST PRODUCED documentary aimed to attempt the impossible – redeem the seemingly unredeemable. 

According to Miss Tweed, it seems like Galliano could be wrapping up his tenure with Margiela, and could head back to Dior, maybe in an attempt to relieve his glory days. 

But, the question remains. Are we trying to force a redemption arc here? Does Galliano need to be redeemed, or should he? Many suspect because of immense brand power, his 14-year bounce back is manageable. 

In a community where companies seem to be able to bounce back from their abhorrent scandals – see Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana – it seems he’s in the perfect industry to make a successful comeback. 

I cannot deny that the work Galliano did with Dior was revolutionary and a worthy stamp in fashion history. 

But perhaps, we should leave Galliano with those collections. 

In history.

1. Vogue. (2024, May 7). Maison Margiela Winning The Met Gala Is No Surprise. https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/maison-margiela-met-gala-2024
2. Wendlandt, A. (2024, July 21). Galliano is leaving Margiela, could be heading to Dior. Miss Tweed. https://misstweed.com/articles/galliano-is-leaving-margiela,-could-be-heading-to-dior
3. Tashijan, R. (2024, March 17). Does John Galliano deserve your forgiveness? Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/fashion/2024/03/17/galliano-documentary/
4. (2024, May 7). John Galliano: A Study in Redemption and Craft at the 2024 Met Gala. Overdress Vintage. https://overdressvintage.com/blogs/news/john-gallianos-resurgence-a-study-in-redemption-and-craft-at-the-2024-met-gala
5. Clark, M. (2024, June 28). John Galliano: Return and Redemption? Prestige Online. https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/style/john-galliano-documentary-interview-return-and-redemption/