While the buzz of Paris Fashion Week has begun to quiet down, John Galliano’s anti-Semitic remarks remain loud for Dior.
Dior recently fired their head designer, Galliano, after an online video surfaced with him praising Adolf Hitler. While this video was taped two years ago, his suspension from the Dior fashion house was due to more recent and similar instances.
An inebriated Galliano allegedly insulted Geraldine Bloch and Philippe Birgiti, a French couple at a bar in Paris. According to the Huffington Post, he told Bloch she had a “dirty Jewish face,” despite the fact that she is not Jewish. He later even threatened to kill them. The couple eventually called the police to the bar where Galliano was arrested.
What is even more interesting about the debate is how the Fashion Industry seems to be protecting him. Donatella Versace said in Milan that there was no justification for the insults but she doubted Galliano had meant to be racist. Giorgio Armani also defends Galliano believing he was caught in a "moment of weakness."
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| Photo courtesy of the Gothamist |
Galliano’s fall from grace has seemed to make a bigger impact with the wearers of his brand. Recent Oscar winner and advertisement face of Dior, Natalie Portman, has disassociated herself from Galliano as she claims herself, “proudly Jewish.” In attempts to alleviate the situation, Dior stores are allowing gown returns for full refunds.
The Dior fashion house has allowed for Galliano to present his Fall/Winter 2011 collection for the last time. His final work was presented at the Rodin Museaum in a black tent with black chairs. In a sense, representing the funeral of Galliano’s presence at Dior.
In an interview with Gayle King, Diane Von Furstenberg states, “As the daughter of a Holocaust Survivor, I find what he said was absolutely unacceptable.” While he has apologized for his behavior, he carries a potential sentence of six months in prison and a fine of about $30,500 for his controversial remarks.
When you hit rock bottom, it seems the only way for Galliano to go is up. However, his future in the fashion industry holds little prospect.
I think John Galliano's comments are horrendous. It is so inappropriate for anyone, especially an iconic figure in fashion media, to say these types of things. The things Galliano said were shocking and upsetting, and could definitely be considered verbal abuse. I respect celebrities like Natalie Portman and Diane von Furstenberg for speaking out and stating their views, as they are both connected to fashion and the Jewish faith. They serve as a positive voice for the people affected, and for the world. No matter Galliano's intentions, they remarks were racist and prejudice, and I believe his firing from Dior and impending lawsuit are justified.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is very unsettling. John Galliano should have known better than to shout anti-semetic slurs at somebody and then threaten them in public. He represents a brand, and this is hurting the brand PR wise. It is shocking that the fashion industry would stick behind him though. Rather interesting...
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