British designer John Galliano has announced his departure from Maison Margiela after a decade-long tenure that helped rebuild his career. His exit follows a series of high-profile changes in the fashion world, leaving industry insiders speculating about his next move.
John Galliano announced on Wednesday that he is stepping down as creative director of Maison Margiela after a decade at the helm of the iconic French fashion house. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, the British designer, 64, reflected on his journey with the brand, thanking Renzo Rosso, the Italian mogul and owner of Margiela, for offering him a chance to rebuild his creative voice after a turbulent period in his life.
“Today is the day I say goodbye to Maison Margiela,” Galliano wrote, praising Rosso for giving him “the greatest, most precious gift”—the opportunity to rediscover his creative identity. Galliano's career had been derailed after he was dismissed from Dior in 2011 for making racist remarks during a drunken tirade in a Paris bar. The scandal led to a public fall from grace, tarnishing Galliano's once-glittering reputation.
Galliano acknowledged in court that he had struggled with substance abuse. His subsequent rehabilitation in Switzerland and a public apology marked his efforts to atone for his past actions. Rosso extended a lifeline to Galliano, offering him the opportunity to return to the fashion industry and rebuild his career, which many had thought would never recover.
During his tenure at Margiela, Galliano helped elevate the brand to new heights, earning praise for reinvigorating its avant-garde approach to fashion and increasing its profile in the global market. Rosso expressed his gratitude, calling Galliano's contributions “one of the most significant and impactful experiences” of his life, and credited him with transforming Maison Margiela into “the most cutting-edge couture house in the world.”
Galliano’s departure comes at a time of significant turnover in the fashion industry, with multiple high-profile changes at major luxury brands. Rumors have circulated that Galliano may return to Dior, where he played a pivotal role in the brand’s revival before his scandal. In his post, Galliano teased his next steps, stating, “When the time is right, all will be revealed,” leaving the fashion world speculating about his future.
The departure also follows the recent exit of Virginie Viard as creative director at Chanel, creating further speculation about potential shifts in the fashion world. Meanwhile, Matthieu Blazy, the creative director of Bottega Veneta, has been linked to a potential role at Chanel.
Galliano, who was born in Gibraltar and moved to London in the 1960s, overcame personal struggles and bullying related to his sexuality before rising to prominence at Central Saint Martins. His tumultuous career was explored in the 2023 Amazon documentary High and Low: John Galliano.
With AFP
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