It’s been a while since John Galliano’s anti-Semitic rant in Paris — that saw him get booted from Dior — but do you think anyone’s ready to open their arms to him again?
Well, Oscar de la Renta is.
The fashion icon has welcomed John Galliano into their New York offices, where he’s taking up temporary residency that will lead to a debut at the upcoming New York Fashion Week. Okay.
“John and I have known each other for many years and I am a great admirer of his talent,” de la Renta said. “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.”
Um . . . yes, but is the fashion world (or regular world, for that matter) willing to give him another chance? True, he designed Kate Moss’ dress for her 2011 wedding, but for his actions, Galliano was stripped even of the Legion of Honour Award, and full-on fired from his job designing for Dior. Since, he’s admitted to alcoholism, and opened up about it in W.
“I have been in recovery for the past two years,” he said. “Several years prior to my sobriety, I descended into the madness of the disease. 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 have caused, and I continue to do so.”
“I am grateful to Oscar beyond words for inviting me to spend time with him in the familiar settings of a design studio,” he continued. “His support and faith in me is humbling.”
Intense. Well, only time will tell how his comeback will go over, and if he’s as serious about recovery as he claims. Regardless, something tells me the John Galliano updates are far from over.
