We've long been waiting (and hoping) for him to return to fashland and today, news has reached us that John Galliano is set to make a comeback. The designer, who was sacked from Dior in 2011 for making anti-Semitic remarks in a Parisian café, is due to take up a temporary residency at Oscar de la Renta's studio in New York, according to WWD. He will be working there over the next three weeks, signalling the start of his fashion comeback.
'John and I have known each other for many years and I am a great admirer of his talent,' de la Renta says. 'He has worked long and hard on his recovery and I am happy to give him the opportunity to reimmerse himself in the world of fashion and reacclimate in an environment where he has been so creative.'
Meanwhile, Galliano says, 'I am grateful to Oscar beyond words for inviting me to spend time with him in the familiar surroundings of a design studio," Galliano said. "His support and faith in me is humbling.'
And guess who's behind the fashion partnership? None other than the all-powerful Anna Wintour, natch. The US Vogue editor is a friend of both designers and first suggested the residency. Perhaps that explains all those secret meetings, hmm?
At one time the greatest, most extravagant, fantastical and eventually powerful of all the designers, certainly of his generation, Galliano left the business after a sensational downfall, arrest, sacking from Christian Dior and his own brand, rehab and withdrawal from public life after 15 years as Dior's creative director. Aside from designing Kate Moss’s wedding dress - a classic Galliano, bias-cut slip dress embellished with gold sequins – he has rarely been seen or heard of.
He has, however, since apologised for his racist outburst. 'I said and did things which hurt others, especially members of the Jewish community. I have expressed my sorrow privately and publicly for the pain which I caused, and I continue to do so. I remain committed to making amends to those I have hurt,' he said.
The Anti-Defamation League, an organisation which fights against anti-Semitism, has expressed its support for Galliano's fashion return. 'We believe that individuals can change their hearts and minds as long as they demonstrate true contrition. Mr Galliano has worked arduously in changing his world view and dedicated a significant amount of time to researching, reading and learning about the evils of anti-Semitism and bigotry,' said ADL's national director, Abraham H. Foxman. 'Along his journey to recovery he met with us on numerous occasions. He has accepted full responsibility for his previous remarks and understands that hurtful comments have no place in our society.'
Although exact details of Galliano's comeback have not been confirmed, Grazia Daily for one is hoping he will return to designing his fantastically fantastical creations. Either way, welcome back Galliano!
Via: Galliano's Comeback! Oscar De La Renta Is Helping The Designer 'Reimmerse Himself In The World Of Fashion'
