Sixty-five-year-old controversial designer John Galliano has withdrawn from a major exhibition dedicated to his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The exhibition, titled «John Galliano: Horizons», was planned to celebrate the designer’s decades-long career.

However, the announcement sparked strong criticism in the media and on social media, with many questioning whether Galliano’s creative legacy should be celebrated through such a major museum exhibition given his past.

The main reason for the backlash is a scandal that took place more than 15 years ago and effectively derailed Galliano’s career for several years. In 2010, the designer made antisemitic remarks toward two women at a Paris café. Among his most shocking statements were expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler, along with offensive comments about Jewish people and their ancestors.

At the time, Galliano was one of the most influential designers in the world and served as Dior’s creative director. Following the scandal, the fashion house immediately terminated his contract. It was not until 2015 that he returned to a major position, becoming the creative director of Maison Margiela. He remained with the brand for almost a decade, leaving in 2024.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by L’OFFICIEL UK (@lofficieluk)

Following the wave of criticism, Galliano ultimately decided to withdraw from the project himself and announced his decision on social media.

«After much thought and discussions with everyone involved, I have made the very difficult decision that, for now, it would be better if this exhibition did not take place», he wrote on Instagram.

He also thanked the Metropolitan Museum of Art, its director Max Hollein, Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, and Anna Wintour for their trust and their work on the project.

«To have my creative journey become the subject of an institution I have admired throughout my life has moved me more deeply than I can put into words», Galliano said.

At the same time, the designer acknowledged that his past words continue to have consequences.

«I remain fully aware of the responsibility I carry for the pain my words caused in the past, particularly the hurt I inflicted on the Jewish and Asian communities, and I deeply regret it», he stressed.

According to Galliano, neither an exhibition nor institutional recognition can substitute for genuinely confronting one’s past actions.

«I understand that true atonement cannot be achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture. It is an ongoing responsibility, reflected in a willingness to listen, to learn and in how one conducts oneself over time», the designer explained.

Against this backdrop, the organizers of the Met Gala are also reportedly considering moving the event from its traditional date in 2027.

Photo: Instagram @jgalliano, @szilvesztermako

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced the theme of its Spring 2027 exhibition. This time, the Costume Institute will dedicate its annual exhibition to British fashion designer John Galliano. His work is also expected to serve as the primary source of inspiration for the Met Gala 2027.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SZILVESZTER MAKÓ (@szilvesztermako)

According to Vogue, the exhibition, titled «John Galliano: Horizons», will open in the spring. It will showcase Galliano’s most iconic designs, sketches and archival materials spanning nearly four decades of his career — from his 1984 graduate collection Les Incroyables to his work for Givenchy, Dior and Maison Margiela.

A separate section of the exhibition will focus on one of the most difficult periods in Galliano’s life — the 2011 scandal that led to his departure from Dior following antisemitic remarks, as well as his eventual return to the world of haute couture.

Notably, John Galliano will become only the third living designer to receive a solo monographic exhibition from the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute. Before him, that honour had been bestowed only upon Yves Saint Laurentand Rei Kawakubo.

Meanwhile, the organisers have yet to reveal the official theme and dress code for the Met Gala 2027. Traditionally, however, the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition sets the creative direction for the iconic fundraising gala.

Photo: Vogue

British couturier John Galliano, known for his work with Dior and Maison Margiela, has unexpectedly become the face of a new project by the mass-market giant Zara. The designer has signed a two-year contract with the brand to create capsule collections, the first of which is set to go on sale this September.

As part of this unusual collaboration, Galliano will work with the Spanish retailer’s vintage archives. He himself has described the process as a «reinterpretation.» The designer is expected to deconstruct and reconstruct pieces from past seasons, using them as the foundation for new designs and contemporary interpretations.

For Galliano, whose career was affected by a high-profile antisemitism scandal, this project represents an opportunity to explore a new creative role. The couturier has admitted that he is inspired by the novelty and unconventional nature of the task.

Photo: Szilveszter Makó @szilvesztermako

Yesterday, the fashion industry was shaken by unexpected news—British designer John Galliano is stepping down as creative director of Maison Margiela after ten years of work.

«Working with Maison Margiela has been an incredible journey for me. It was a place where I could freely bring my boldest ideas to life and share them with the world. But now it’s time to move on and open a new chapter in my life», he wrote on his social media.

Who will take his place remains unknown. Neither the designer nor the brand has disclosed plans for the near future. However, there is speculation that Galliano might take on the role of creative director at Chanel, as the leadership of the fashion house has yet to find a replacement for Virginie Viard.

It’s important to note that Galliano is leaving Maison Margiela at the peak of its popularity. His unique style and masterful work with the brand’s heritage have made him one of the greatest designers of our time. His latest spring-summer collection, showcased during Couture Week in Paris, is a testament to his brilliance. Yet none of this would have been possible without the second chance he received in 2014 from Renzo Rosso, the president of Maison Margiela’s parent company, OTB.

Galliano joined Maison Margiela a few years after his dismissal from Dior. At the time, he was going through a difficult period: his legacy had been tarnished by a careless antisemitic remark. Additionally, he struggled with severe alcohol addiction, which he managed to overcome – Galliano has been sober for 14 years.

Photo: @maisonmargiela