The 54-year-old British designer is widely regarded as one of
the most flamboyant and successful fashion minds of his
generation, but was fired by Dior in 2011 after he was caught on
camera making anti-Semitic remarks in a Paris cafe.
Since then, Galliano has acknowledged having undergone treatment
for drugs and alcohol, and worked briefly as a designer for New
York fashion brand Oscar de la Renta in 2013.
Maison Martin Margiela gave him a permanent role when it
appointed him creative director in October.
Among the supporters who attended his new Margiela show in
London, which featured several striking red dresses, were model
Kate Moss, whose wedding dress Galliano designed, and the
Burberry Chief Executive Officer Christopher Bailey.
Other fashion world figures in the front row expressed their
support for Galliano's return from the wilderness.
"It's John Galliano so it's okay, it's fabulous," accessory
designer Manolo Blahnik told Reuters.
"It's a beautiful show. I am glad he's working again."
Hilary Alexander, veteran fashion journalist and former fashion
editor of the Daily Telegraph newspaper, could not contain her
excitement at the return of the enfant terrible.
"The show was sensational," she said. "I am absolutely thrilled,
I am ecstatic, I couldn't be happier.
"It was Galliano at his very best, on peak form and surprising
and delightful and just wonderful ... There were ribbons and
incredible masks and shells and gilt and gold and embroidery and
tailored trouser suits."
Galliano, a graduate of London's prestigious Central Saint
Martin's College, had won praise from fashion critics for his
theatrical, romantic shows at Dior as well as for his creative
designs for his John Galliano brand, which is still owned and
run by LVMH, the world's biggest luxury group.
(Editing by Michael Roddy and Chris Reese)
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