The whirlwind that is the world of fashion has thrown up another surprise during the first week of Paris fashion week this year! Not only does the fashion world continue to entertain and inspire us with colour and style it also shocks. The talk of Paris 2011 Fashion week is that of John Galliano.
John Galliano during the first week of Paris fashion week has seen his least poignant moment, the iconic British fashion designer has been dismissed as head designer of Christian Dior for ‘odious behaviour’ and making anti Semitic remarks in a drunken rant at a couple outside the Perle cafe in Paris. Galliano was arrested on Thursday 24th February 2011 for insulting a Jewish woman Géraldine Bloch, 35 and her Asian boyfriend Philippe Virgiti, 41, during an altercation at the Perle cafe in Paris. John Galliano has denied making anti Semitic remarks (which is punishable in France by up to six months in prison) and is counter-suing the couple for defamation, police have said Galliano was twice over the recommended blood alcohol limit. Unfortunately a woman has come forward about a earlier incident which occurred in October 2010 and a mobile phone footage has surfaced of Galliano at the Perle cafe in December which he can be seen making rude remarks to two women!
The Sun website has a copy of the mobile footage of the now infamous John Galliano’s racist rant in Paris:
The Transcript includes:
Female 1: “I can’t believe he said that…”
Female 2: “It’s not good… [to Galliano] Are you blond… Are you blond with blue eyes?”
Galliano: “No, but I love Hitl*r and people like you would be dead today. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f***ing gassed and f***ing dead.”
Females: “Oh my God.”
Female 2: “Do you have a problem?”
Galliano: “With you – you’re ugly.”
Female 2: “You don’t like peace? You don’t want peace in the world?”
Galliano: “Not with people, like ugly people.”
Female 2: “Where are you from?”
Galliano: “Your a****le.”
The incomprehensible and verbally abusive outburst from a leading light of the fashion industry has not gone down well with his former employers and friends. Sidney Toledano, Dior Chief Executive issued a statement on Tuesday 1st March 2011:
“I condemn most firmly the statements made by John Galliano which are a total contradiction with the essential values that have always been defended by the House of Christian Dior.”
Oscar winner Natalie Portman who is the face of Miss Dior Cherie perfume, is herself Jewish and was a friend of John said:
“In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr Galliano in any way. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful.”
Although Italian designer Giorgio Armani was more compassionate in his assessment and said he felt “sorry for” his colleague.
The 50 year old British Fashion Designer of the Year for 1987, 1994, 1995 and 1997 has had a distinguished career in an industry that tolerates tantrums especially from Prodigious talents such as those of John Galliano. Whatever the cost to Dior reputation, decisive action by the Dior management has effectively limited any negative reflection on the brand, however not the same can be easily said of John Galliano’s reputation. The Dior Autumn / Winter show featuring Galliano’s design is still to go ahead and John Galliano has apologised unreservedly for his behaviour.
It is rumoured that either Yves Saint Laurent designer Stefano Pilati or Dior Homme designer, Hedi Slimane could succeed Galliano. A flawed genius he may be (someone once said all geniuses are flawed), John has made a major contribution to fashion. Who can predict what the future will bring especially if he is remorseful about his behaviour and makes a genuine effort to change this particular aspect. He has friends in the Jewish community – maybe it would be worthwhile for someone to throw an arm around his creative shoulders to exercise some of those personal demons.
