John Galliano Talks About Work Pressures & Addictions Leading to His ‘Professional Suicide’

Staff

/

Published June 11, 2014

Kate Moss & John Galliano in Vogue UK December 2013 by Tim Walker. Photo: Vogue UK website
Kate Moss & John Galliano in Vogue UK December 2013 by Tim Walker. Photo: Vogue UK website

Galliano on Career Suicide–It was not long ago that British designer John Galliano was the toast of the fashion industry. In the late ’90s and ’00s, he was at the height of career as head designer for brands such as Givenchy, Dior as well as his very own brand, John Galliano. One fateful day in February of 2011, Galliano was caught on tape making anti-Semitic remarks while intoxicated in Paris. Following release of his anti-Semitic tirade, Galliano was fired from his position at Dior as well as his eponymous label. After his departure, Galliano stayed out of the spotlight and in recovery for nearly two years where he received treatment for addiction to drugs and alcohol as well as spending time with Jewish groups to educate himself.

According to WWD, Galliano requested a meeting with French psychiatrist Boris Cyrulni, who is Jewish and is said to have escaped Nazi-led capture as a child, for a Q&A session for French weekly news magazine, Le Point as part of his recovery. In this interview, Galliano talks about professional suicide, his childhood struggles with his sexuality and addiction to drugs and alcohol. “What happened in the Parisian cafe Le Perle was a defense mechanism,” laments Galliano. “I repeated a pattern that I had known as a teenager and I was in an explosive mix of drugs and alcohol. February 24, 2011 I was no longer myself. I said the most terrible, the most unbearable, the most horrible thing (there is).” Galliano also discussed what he has learned about himself during his time away from designing, “I’ve lost, but I also gained a lot. I’m a creative person and no one can take that away from me. I’ve been told I committed professional suicide because it was the only escape from the terrible pressures I was facing,” says Galliano.

Since his stint in rehab, Galliano has been slowly getting back into the scene. In 2013, he was invited by Oscar de la Renta to help design in his studio and just recently he was named creative director for Russian perfumery chain, L’Etoile.


Recent Updates

Swarovski Spring 2024 Featured

Irina Shayk, Karlie Kloss Bring Mermaidcore to Swarovski Ad

Swarovski takes a deep dive into the mythical with its spring-summer 2024 campaign, channeling the allure of Venus and embracing ...
Oliver Peoples Khaite Spring 2024 Featured

Oliver Peoples x KHAITE Spring 2024: Crafting Chic Eyewear

The Oliver Peoples x KHAITE Spring 2024 collection promises an eyewear feast for the fashion-forward. Exemplifying an industrial chic aesthetic, ...
Nina Cosmic Featured

Nina T Gets Interstellar for Numéro Switzerland

In "Cosmic Being," photographed by Ana Abril, a futuristic fashion editorial takes place in Numéro Switzerland's premiere issue. Model Nina ...
Zara Jeans Spring Featured

Zara Jeans Spring 2024: Exploring Casual Styles

The season of renewal brings with it Zara's spring 2024 jeans collection, offering a refreshing take on denim that pays ...
Makeup Looks Featured

Makeup Looks to Inspire: 15 Stunning Ideas for 2024

Makeup looks offer a canvas for self-expression, blending everything from the subtle allure of neutral tones to the vibrant impact ...
Penelope Cruz Chanel Iconic Handbag Featured

Penélope Cruz & Brad Pitt Are Iconic in Chanel Handbag Ad

Chanel's 2024 campaign for its Iconic Handbag enlists the magnetic allure of Penélope Cruz alongside Brad Pitt, offering a theme ...

Leave a Comment