After Maison Margiela’s blockbuster couture show in January, rumours started swirling that creative director John Galliano was going to go out on a high. Now, almost a whole year later, it has been confirmed – Galliano is leaving Margiela after ten years at the top. 

Galliano’s appointment came at a famously tumultuous time for the designer. In 2011, a video was leaked of Galliano shouting antisemitic slurs outside a Parisian cafe. Quickly, his reign as creative director of Dior came to an end. When Maison Margiela appointed him as creative director in 2014, he was still essentially persona non grata in the industry, having lived in social exile for three years.

Galliano and Margiela were a match made in heaven. Few designers could genuinely live up to the genius of Martin Margiela and Galliano found a very suitable groove at Margiela. His technical tailoring and love of deconstruction made perfect sense for the brand that utterly changed fashion in the 1990s by not following any of the set rules. 

In a statement that Galliano released on his Instagram account, he said, “My heart overflows with joyous gratitude, and my soul smiles. […] I am forever grateful for this safe space to create and build a new family that supports me with courage and dignity.

The rumors…Everyone wants to know, and everyone wants to dream,” Galliano continues. “When the time is right, all will be revealed. For now, I take this time to express my immense gratitude. I continue to atone, and I will never stop dreaming. I, too, need to dream.”

“Working with John was one of the most significant and impactful experiences of my life. He mentored me and showed me his vision, enriching me culturally and allowing me to bring some of that vision and culture to the rest of the Group,” said Renzo Rosso, chairman of Maison Margiela and owner of OTB Group. “I feel privileged to have worked with two legends like Martin [Margiela] and John. Martin made this house a reference and an icon, John made it the most cutting-edge couture house in the world.”