Here's What The Fashion Industry Thinks John Galliano's Next Move Is

After joining Maison Margiela in 2014 as the creative director, John Galliano has provided the fashion world with a decade of stunning styles, shocking runway looks, and a rebirth of his public persona. Given that his contract with the label expires soon and it has been confirmed that he will not opt to renew it, fans of the designer and several of the labels he's worked with are speculating what comes next. Among the most popular theories is a return to Dior—a Maison where he created some of his most iconic looks to date. Neither the label nor the designer have commented on the shift. No matter where he ends up, fans are excited to see the next design era Galliano has in store. 

Whether you're nostalgic for past looks, or simply curious about how the legendary figure began his career, see a complete rundown on Galliano, ranging from his early days in London to his most famous styles for Maison Margiela in the 2020s. 

Galliano, a master of British fashion, was born in Gibraltar on November 28, 1960, and only six years later he moved with his family to South London. It was in that unique, vibrant city that he began to cultivate his innate passion for art and design. At just 16 years old, he left Wilson's Grammar School for Boys to study textile design at East London College, and shortly after, in 1980, he entered St. Martin's School of Art in London, where he developed a passion for historical costume.

Among his most iconic collections is Galliano's extraordinary Graduation Collection of 1984, Les Incroyables, which was inspired by the French Revolution. After its runway debut, it caught the attention of the owner of a well-known London boutique of the time, leading to growing interest in Galliano as a young designer. After brilliant academic success, Galliano set up his own studio in a charming warehouse in the East End of London, quickly emerging as the wunderkind of British fashion in the 1980s. His career reached new heights in 1987 when he received a nomination for Designer of the Year by the British Fashion Council.

The turning point came in 1995, however, when he was called to replace Hubert de Givenchy, the founder of the historic French fashion house, making John Galliano the first British designer to head a French Haute Couture fashion house. His brilliance has continued to blossom over his career, earning him the title of one of the greatest designers of all time, a recognition confirmed by Designer of the Year nominations in 1994 and 1995. In 1997, he shared the coveted award with Alexander McQueen, his successor at Givenchy.

In 1996, Galliano was appointed creative director of Dior, where he revolutionized the fashion world with couture collections inspired by a wide range of subjects, including Nefertiti and iconic accessories such as the saddlebag. His unique ability to combine historical aesthetics with a decidedly contemporary look has redefined the canons of fashion. 

In 2009, John Galliano was awarded the French Legion of Honor, one of the country’s most coveted honors, but two years later, in 2011, he was documented using anti-Semitic and racist slurs in public and was fired from Dior. Following public outrage and a lengthy trial surrounding his behavior, he also left his eponymous fashion house. Addressing his personal struggles with drugs and alcohol, he embarked on a rehabilitation program that led to deep reflection and personal growth. "I must take responsibility for the circumstances in which I found myself and for allowing myself to be seen to be behaving in the worst possible light. I only have myself to blame and I know that I must face up to my own failures and that I must work hard to gain people's understanding and compassion," Galliano said in a 2011 statement. "Antisemitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologize for my behavior in causing any offense."

After leaving Dior, Galliano was absent from the fashion industry for several years while he underwent this process, until he took on a temporary residency at Oscar De La Renta in 2013, and slowly introduced himself back into the scene following this period of personal growth.

After deep reflection on his prior behaviors, Galliano returned to the industry in 2014 when he was appointed the new creative director of Maison Martin Margiela, renamed Maison Margiela starting in 2015.

With this fashion house, Galliano took on a new and even more daring identity, overseeing all the lines, including couture and ready-to-wear. His first show, which was during Paris Couture Week in January 2015, was a true triumph of creativity and innovation, confirming how this visionary designer continues to surprise us today.