A strange story for the fashion world- John Galliano has been dismissed as chief designer by Christian Dior, after videos of his alleged anti- Jewish tirades were leaked by the media. In the video, a clearly inebriated Galliano, talking to a group of Italian women at a Paris bar, says ""I love Hitler... People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers would all be f****** gassed."
Fashion as an industry is known to be superficial and cut throat, but this bit of news along with the suicide of Alexander McQueen throws light on fashion's ugly underbelly. Support from the industry has been flowing in for Galliano, but an equally large number of people are disgusted with his comments, including actress Natalie Portman, Dior’s new face, who spoke out publicly against Galliano.
Galliano Spring 2004
John Galliano was born to Spanish parents and grew up in London. He studied at Central Saint Martin’s College of Art. His graduation collection "Les Incroyables" inspired from the French Revolution was immediately bought by Brown's, where it sold out at once. He launched his own label in 1984. Elegant bias cut gowns and sharp tailored suits became his trademark. Galliano looked towards history for inspiration, and reinterpreted fashion in his own whimsical way. His garments successfully border between fantasy and classical elements.
In 1995, Galliano became chief designer at the fashion house of Givenchy. A year later, it was announced that Christian Dior has given Galliano the prestigious title of chief designer. His dresses have been worn by Hollywood film stars Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman to the Academy Awards. Princess Diana and Daphne Guinness were part of Galliano’s private clientele.
John Galliano's contribution to fashion is immense. However, more than anything else these videos show him as a disturbed, bitter man. Perhaps this industry needs to tone down the histrionics and give way for a little humanity.
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