Influential designer John Galliano is getting a second chance after being notoriously fired from his post at the House of Dior two years ago for making antisemitic and racial slurs. Since then, Galliano has reportedly attended rehabilitation for alcoholism and pill addiction. In a recent statement to WWD he admitted, “I am an alcoholic. I have been in recovery for the past two years. 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 caused, and I continue to do so. I remain committed to making amends to those I have hurt.”
In a gentlemanly and generous gesture, fellow designer Oscar de la Renta has offered to have the repentant Galliano spend the next few weeks with him at his New York studio. “Everyone in life deserves a second chance, especially someone as talented as John. I think that life is about forgiving and helping people… I think John is doing all the right things,” said de la Renta.
Word on the street is that Galliano may be getting those creative juices flowing just in time to take on a new post at the Schiaparelli label (owned by Diego Della Valle). That sounds like it may be a good fit.
Above: A look from Galliano’s last collection for Dior F/W11-12
