Fashion designer John Galliano and Maison Margiela are going their separate ways.
Galliano is leaving the Paris fashion house after ten “inspiring, emotional, successful years,” Maison Margiela announced on Wednesday evening. The designer’s next steps or who will succeed him have not yet been announced.
“Working with John was one of the most important and influential experiences in my life. “He guided me and showed me his vision, enriched me culturally and enabled me to pass on some of that vision and culture to the rest of the group,” said
Renzo Rosso, head of Margiela’s parent company OTB Group. “I feel privileged to have worked with two legends like Martin and John. Martin made this house a reference and an icon, John made it the most modern couture house in the world.
Galliano leaves Margiela after ten years
The British designer came to Maison Margiela around ten years ago after having to leave his position as head designer at the French fashion house Dior at the beginning of 2011. The reason for this was anti-Semitic statements made to guests at a Paris restaurant, for which he was later sentenced to a fine. In this context, he also lost his job at his eponymous brand.
“Over the last decade, he, the Maison Margiela team and all the group’s resources have worked together to create magic and write a fundamental chapter of this unique house,” said Rosso. “Our industry has a habit of thinking in decades , and these ten years of incredibly intense work, amazing shows and installations, exceptionally beautiful products have laid the foundation for the future of Maison Margiela, which I am very excited about.
“Right now I would like to express my great gratitude. I continue to penance and will never stop dreaming. Gratitude to Renzo Rosso, who gave me the greatest and most valuable gift by inviting me to take up the position of artistic director in the house built by Martin, giving me the opportunity to find my creative voice when I had become voiceless . Ten years later, I am forever grateful for this safe space to create and for his tireless support,” adds Galliano.