John Galliano: “I Have Finally Come to Terms With What Happened”
John Galliano during the Dior finale in 2007. Photo: Getty Images
“I am an alcoholic and that is by no means an excuse. But I’m now recovering and part of that is me coming to terms with what I did,” John Galliano said on Thursday, speaking at the launch of a Jewish education project in London. “I used to blame everyone for what happened, but now I bear no resentment. I have finally come to terms with what happened and what was my part in it.”
Since being caught on film using anti-semitic and racist language (a criminal offense in France) in a Paris bar in 2011, and subsequently being let go from Dior, the Frenchman has spent time rehabilitating his image — he recently showed his first collection at Paris Fashion Week in his new role as creative director for Maison Margiela — and making amends. Sitting down with Central Synagogue’s rabbi, Barry Marcus (a Galliano supporter, he even sat front row at the show), he told the crowd, "I do take complete responsibility for my recovery and making amends.”
But, while the scandal was certainly salacious and regrettable, Galliano’s downfall could have been a blessing in disguise. “I think I would be dead,” he admitted, of his time working at Dior and his own eponymous label as well — a combined total of 32 collections each year — while simultaneously struggling with substance abuse issues. Reflecting on that tumultuous period, he said that “wasn’t living.”
A few years on, Galliano seems to have some perspective. Sober now, he said, “I get a daily reprieve from this disease and that comes from total abstinence.” Getting back to work — what he described as an “all-consuming passion” — has also helped, especially “talking about shiny black or matte black for two hours.”
The fashion world has embraced his return, and celebrities like Amal Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, and Cate Blanchett have shown off his newer designs on red carpets this year. In fact, Galliano’s past indiscretions seem to have been pretty much forgiven in full. And Rabbi Marcus supports this. “That is not the Jewish way,” he said of holding grudges. “We should show a little graciousness…I am asking because most people, apart from the angels among us, most of us have done something we regret.”
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