It was announced today that Christian Dior will be taking the necessary steps to fire its long time Creative Director, John Galliano. This verdict from the famed fashion house comes after much speculation and accusations against the designer of anti-semitic rants and attitudes. The straw that broke the proverbial camels back? A video that was released of the designer making statements in a Parisian Cafe that would sadly add to an already fueled fire.
On February 24, 2011 Galliano was arrested and accused of verbal assault towards a couple at the same Parisian Cafe as the video would later show. Galliano met with the couple yesterday at the police station to discuss the events.
Since then a statement was released by Dior’s President and Chief executive officer saying, “I condemn most firmly the statements made by John Galliano which are total contradiction with the essential values that have always been defended by the House of Christian Dior.”
Despite La Maison Dior’s decision to take such aggressive action against a man that has truly made them the global brand they are today, and is clearly suffering through something in his life, the fashion community at large has had a relatively compassionate response. Though one cannot fathom or condone such reticle and ill spirited behavior it seems as though there are those that look at it from the prospective that although wrong, Galliano was trapped, drunk and clearly very upset. Here a sample of what other fashion designers has to say:
- Stefano Gabbana via Twitter:
“I’m so sorry for John Galliano!!!” - Roberto Cavalli:
“I don’t believe [it]. Because I know John since many years, he’s such a wonderful person. I can’t believe that he makes some racist [comments] toward somebody, because he’s so international . . . I think that somebody wants to try to be bad with him. I think la Maison Dior should make [for] him [a] big red carpet because he helped Maison Dior to be what it is today. I don’t want to judge anybody, but I love John and John, I am with you.”
- Giorgio Armani:
“I’m very very sorry for him. It’s obviously a difficult time for him. I am also very sorry that they videotaped him without him knowing.”
Our hearts here at the Marquis of Fashion are heavy this morning with news of the forced departure of one of our favourite and most inspiring designers. Our thoughts our with Christian Dior as this couldn’t have been an easy decision, and John Galliano. We sincerely hope that amends are made where need be and that he can professionally and personally recover from this struggle.
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