John Galliano: The Rise and Fall of a Fashion Designer
Published: March 14, 2024, 6:00 a.m. ET
Fashion designer John Galliano’s journey took him to the pinnacle of success and back. The highs and lows of his life, marked by groundbreaking fashion trends and a fall from grace due to his ill-fated remarks, are the subject of the documentary “High & Low: John Galliano,” directed by Kevin Macdonald.
From Stardom to Cancellation
John Galliano, renowned for his eponymous line and his work at Givenchy and Dior, enjoyed immense popularity in the 1980s. Celebrities like Rihanna, Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Kate Moss, and Natalie Portman admired his creations. However, in 2011, Galliano’s career took a nosedive when a video emerged featuring his racist and anti-Semitic remarks, including a disturbing admiration for Hitler.
A Story of Redemption
Macdonald’s documentary reflects on Galliano’s journey of exile and attempted comeback. “High & Low: John Galliano” allows the designer’s supporters, including supermodel Kate Moss and actress Charlize Theron, to share their perspective. The film portrays Galliano’s effort to make amends and his battle to reclaim his place in the fashion industry.
An Unanswered Question
While the documentary delves deep into Galliano’s troubled past, it fails to provide a clear answer to the question of why he made the offensive remarks. Galliano himself struggles to explain the root of his words even after a year-long discussion with the filmmaker. This puzzling aspect adds complexity to his story, highlighting the challenges of forgiveness and understanding.
A Complicated Figure
Macdonald’s film doesn’t shy away from navigating Galliano’s complex personality, touching upon his hidden struggles and his battle with addiction. It also sheds light on the fashion industry’s struggle to reconcile its admiration for talent with the need for accountability in the face of hateful remarks.
An Opportunity for Reflection
Macdonald, a descendant of Holocaust survivors, points out the importance of considering the prevalence of anti-Semitic sentiments in society. He believes that highlighting Galliano’s story and provoking discussion about redemption and the consequences of offensive remarks can contribute to combatting the current rise in anti-Semitic tropes.
A Fashion Icon’s Resurgence
Despite the controversies, Galliano made a quiet return to the fashion scene in 2014 as the creative director for Maison Martin Margiela. The once flamboyant designer appears committed to his sobriety, reflecting on his troubled addiction-riddled past and his slow path towards healing.
As fashion enthusiasts and critics continue to reflect on his legacy, the film encourages a broader conversation about the complexities of forgiveness, personal growth, and the responsibility of the fashion industry to address challenges surrounding offensive remarks within their ranks.
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