Amidst backlash from the British fashion designer's past, the Spring 2027 retrospective is no longer happening.

Ever since the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Anna Wintour announced the spring 2027 exhibition "John Galliano: Horizons," the planned event and gala theme received much backlash from critics. A month later, Galliano and the Met announced that the exposition honoring the British designer's four-decade-long career is no longer in the cards.
"I am profoundly grateful to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and particularly to Max Hollein, Andrew Bolton and Anna Wintour, for the extraordinary honour of proposing an exhibition devoted to my work," Galliano said in a statement on Monday morning. "After much reflection and discussion with all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time."
Not only would the upcoming exhibition highlight Galliano's career at Central Saint Martins, Givenchy, Dior, and Maison Margiela, but it would also have been the third retrospective honoring a living designer. Now, the 1983 Met Gala honoring Yves Saint Laurent and Rei Kawakubo's Comme des Garçons in 2017 remain the only spectacles the Costume Institute has fully committed to.
Although many in the fashion world were excited about the gala's theme and presentation, local political and civic leaders, among others, weren't fans at all. The critics made note of Galliano's past remarks towards Jewish and Asian communities at a Parisian cafe from 2011, which ultimately led to his firing from Dior. Led by alcoholism and addiction, Galliano has apologized for his comments and remains "deeply sorry" today.

Portrait of John Galliano. Photography by Szilveszter Makó.

"I understand that meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture," the designer said while remaining accountable for his prior actions. "It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one's conduct over time."
Galliano knows that the years-long debate has caused harm to certain communities, especially with the July announcement of the exhibition. Yet he notes that the Met or the Costume Institute shouldn't be placed in a "difficult position" when they curate intricate collections that attract thousands globally.
With 15 years of sobriety and recovery under his belt, the designer thanked those who helped him along the way, provided him support, and "a life better than I could ever have dreamt of." Logistics surrounding next year's spring exhibition and Met Gala theme will be revealed at a later date.
"My gratitude to the Met, Max, Andrew and Anna remains profound and enduring," Galliano concluded. "Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history - as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth - will remain with me always."

Donatella Versace, John Galliano and Eva Herzigova are seen backstage during The Fashion Awards 2017. Getty Images.

The John Galliano Met Gala Exhibition Is Officially Canceled

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The John Galliano Met Gala Exhibition Is Officially Canceled

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