John Galliano Officially going. Maison Margiela After 10 years at the French fashion house.
Less than a year after her standout Spring 2024 couture show, where Runway models were turned into porcelain dolls.64-year-old British designer announced his departure from Margiela. This morning is Wednesday, December 11.
“Today is the day I say goodbye to Maison Margiela,” he wrote in a lengthy letter Instagram. “My heart overflows with joy and gratitude, and my soul smiles.
“To my atelier, my ‘A’ team – devout in faith and dedicated to style and technique – thank you. We enjoy the importance of slow and ethical fashion and its impact on all our collections, working Pramedical methods of… together, we walk beautifully — a quest for balance, construction, and feather-lightness. Thank you.”
Galliano joined Margiela as creative director four years after his predecessor, founder Martin Margiela, left the brand in 2010. Not long after Martin’s departure, Galliano was contacted by Renzo Rosso – president of the OTB Group, Maison Margiela’s parent company. Lead the fashion house.
The designer’s early success was due in large part to Anna Wintour. Vogue The magazine editor-in-chief financially supported Galliano when he was starting out under his own name – ensuring that the wider fashion world recognized his brilliance even when he could only afford to wear black clothes. Having put him on the map with Wintour’s help, Galliano’s unparalleled mind was tapped to take over Givenchy in 1995.
However, when Rosso asked to work as creative director for Margiela, Galliano had been in the midst of recovering from years of alcohol and drug addiction. In 2011, his substance abuse problems eventually led to his dismissal from Dior and his own label, after a video of the designer drunkenly making anti-Semitic and racist comments outside a bar surfaced online. had come
It wasn’t until 2013 that Galliano finally spoke in what was believed to be his first serious interview. Talking with Vanity FairGalliano apologized for his offensive comments. “That’s the worst thing I’ve ever said in my life, but I didn’t mean it,” he told the outlet. “I’m trying to figure out why that anger was unleashed in this race. I realize now that I was so angry and upset with myself that I just said the most hateful thing.
A year later, and three years into a sabbatical, Galliano accepted a position at Margiela, which he called a “life-saving creative moment”.
Now, Galliano’s sudden departure from Margiela has fashion lovers everywhere wondering what’s next. Will Galliano revive the eponymous label he founded in 1984, or will he succeed outgoing creative director Virginie Wired at Chanel?
For months, speculation has been rife throughout the fashion industry as to who will be given the coveted role of creative director at the channel following Wired’s departure in June. While many names have been thrown into the pool, Galliano’s has not been officially announced.
However, recent reports have indicated that Matthieu Blazy, Bottega Veneta’s 40-year-old creative director, is at the helm of the channel. According to Women’s Daily WearBlazy has “emerged as a new contender” for the role, with an official announcement coming in mid-December.
Blazzi — who is responsible for reimagining the luxury Italian house with leather trim and oversized accessories — has yet to respond to the latest reports, though other sources said. WWD That Bottega is looking for a replacement.
Does this mean Galliano will take over for Bottega? While only time will tell, the legendary designer isn’t ready to reveal his next move just yet.
“Everybody wants to know, and everybody wants to dream,” Galliano wrote in his announcement. “Everything will come out when the time is right.”