Sixty-five-year-old controversial designer John Galliano has withdrawn from a major exhibition dedicated to his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.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.

 

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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.

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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.

 

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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