Photo: AP Photo/Jacques Brinon
The “John Galliano: Horizons” exhibition was scheduled to open on May 9, 2027, and run through January 9, 2028, according to the Associated Press. It was set to be the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition and the theme for the traditional Met Gala.
The designer stated that he did not want to put the Metropolitan Museum of Art in an “awkward position” or distract attention from the Costume Institute’s achievements. At the same time, he once again acknowledged responsibility for his past remarks and apologized to the Jewish and Asian communities.
The scandal began long before the exhibition
The conflict stemmed from Galliano’s past. In 2011, the designer found himself at the center of a high-profile scandal following anti-Semitic remarks made in a Parisian café. A French court found him guilty, after which Galliano lost his position as creative director at Dior. France also stripped him of his Legion of Honor.
The designer later apologized and attributed his behavior to alcohol and drug addiction. In 2014, he returned to the industry, becoming creative director of Maison Margiela.
However, after the Met announced an exhibition dedicated to Galliano’s career on July 31, the old scandal took a new turn. The museum stated that the exhibition was intended to examine not only the designer’s achievements but also his behavior, which “fundamentally altered his career and public perception.”
This proved insufficient for a number of critics. Influential members of the Jewish community spoke out against the exhibition, including art dealer Arnie Glimcher, New York City Council Member Julie Menin, and Elisha Wiesel, president of the Elie Wiesel Foundation.
Jill Kargman, a member of the Friends of the Costume Institute, announced her resignation from the organization due to the museum’s plans. Alice Tish, who, along with her husband, had donated significant sums to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accused the institution’s leadership of mismanagement.
After the exhibition was canceled, Met Director Max Hollein confirmed that the decision was made following consultations with Galliano and the parties involved.
Anna Wintour, who had previously supported the idea of the exhibition, called the designer’s decision not to hold the exhibition in his honor “very bold.” At the same time, she continued to praise his professional legacy and called Galliano the greatest couturier.
Galliano himself thanked Hollein, Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton, and Wintour for the opportunity to showcase his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Had the exhibition “John Galliano: Horizons” taken place, Galliano would have become the third living fashion designer to be honored with a major solo exhibition at the Costume Institute, following Yves Saint Laurent and Rei Kawakubo.
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