John Galliano Is Reportedly Exiting Maison Margiela To Take on New Role at Fendi
Said to end his 10-year tenure at the Paris-based fashion house this fall.
In a new round of fashion musical chairs, there seems to be another creative director change in the air. Recently, rumors of John Galliano‘s exit from Maison Margiela has sparked noise across the industry. He is rumored to bring his run at the Parisian couture house to an end this fall, marking the conclusion of his 10-year tenure at the brand.
Several fashion sources in the industry have reported that Galliano is ready for change. Maison Margiela’s owner Renzo Rosso has reportedly urged Galliano to stay at the house, but despite ample requests, Galliano is said to have made up his mind about not renewing his contract with the Paris-based fashion house. Speculation of an new era for the prolific designer has been on high since the creative director’s Instagram has been wiped clean, leading to fans and the fashion community to believe he is gearing up for a change.
Galliano’s work at Maison Margiela has been spectacular to say the least. His most recent haute couture collection in January stunned audiences both in attendance and online when he presented the dramatic season under the Pont Alexandre III that contrast the grimy depths of Paris with the exquisite beauty of burlesque. Earlier this week a spokesperson for OTB said, “As you know – and it is normal in our industry – there are always a lot of rumors when creative talents are concerned. We never comment on them. All we can say is that relations between John Galliano, Maison Margiela and our group chairman Renzo Rosso, are very good.”
Rumors on Galliano’s next move are on a high, with fashion commentary Instagram accounts like @ideservecouture creating a space for the community to debate and speculate where Galliano might go next. While rumors of Galliano’s possible return to Dior have been mentioned, the frontrunner for his next move is to potentially lead Fendi. At the moment the Roman house is led by two creative directors, Silvia Venturini Fendi for women’s and Kim Jones for men’s. Due to his history with Dior, his move back is unlikely. Chanel is another luxury French house that is looking for a new creative lead, but that is unlikely as well. Galliano, who is well-known for his fashion endeavours and undeniable talent, has also had negative encounters with the press. Following a drunken rant in the early 2010s in Paris, Galliano was convicted of antisemitism. Given that Chanel is owned by a prominent Jewish family, it is unlikely he will lead the house.
At this time, LVMH has not commented on the situation and no official statement has been made by Galliano nor Maison Margiela.
