Yes. I know it's not breaking news now but I just haven't had the chance to write about it! If you're a follower of fashion, a keen style enthusiast or indeed a John Galliano fan, you would have heard the news that this incredible designer is to become the new creative director at Maison Martin Margiela. It's a shock and a surprise that Galliano will be working at this particular fashion house, known for a completely different design aesthetic, but it will defiantly something to look forward to in the future.
John Galliano, originally from Gibraltar in Spain, was the golden design child of the late 80's and 90's, changing the face of fashion with his flamboyant and intricate designs. Taking inspiration from the French Revolution and English culture/history, his clothes were worthy enough to display in the V&A as well as parade on the international catwalks. After setting up his own fashion house, he joined Givenchy as chief designer before moving to fellow LVMH group brand, Dior. From 1997 onwards, he transformed this iconic Parisian house and made it cool again with a cult following of singers, actresses and adoring fans. From the famous Charlize Theron 'J'Adore' perfume ad to the amazing couture shows which rivaled those of Chanel, Galliano always put on a show for us and delighted editors, stylists and journalists alike with his creativity.
However, this Fairytale world of Galliano came crumbling down in 2011, when he was caught using anti-Semitic language to fellow customers in a Parisian cafe. Under the influence of alcohol, Galliano's actions were recoded and released all over the internet causing a fierce backlash and huge controversy for Dior. After a very public turmoil of events, he was fired from Dior and sought help in rehab centres in America. Since then, he has kept a very low profile, completely out of the radar of fashion and the cruel world it entails. There are even conspiracy rumors that Galliano was set up by LVMH as a way to get rid of him and bring in current designer Raf Simmons... But that doesn't change the words that came out of Galliano's mouth and language like that cannot be justified.
Now, he's back! I am so excited for him to rejoin Paris Fashion Week as a creative genius because, the man can design like no other. His Dior womenswear collections were incredible and the best shows (hands down!) at PFW. Everything he touched at Dior was just spectacular and his talent has been very much missed, especially by me! He was my favourite designer for so long, so much so that I even dedicated a paragraph of my university Personal Statement to him!
Yet, is this the right move for him? Maison Martin Margiela is a fashion house know for it's anonymity, privacy and minimalist designs that break and challenge the rules of fashion. When Margiela himself designed for his brand, the shows were always futuristic, technical and raw with an edge like no other. While he looked to the future, Galliano looks to the past for inspiration which could prove to be a problem for him. Yet no doubt he will adapt and learn the archives of Margeila, change the status of the house and make it his own as well as serve the faithful customers that Martin Margiela built up over the years. This is what I love about fashion, you never know what's going to happen next, especially when Mr John Galliano is involved!
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