The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition dedicated to British designer John Galliano due to significant backlash from the Jewish community and beyond regarding Galliano’s historical anti-Semitic and racist remarks. The exhibit, originally scheduled as the spring Costume Institute show for May 2027, will be substituted with a different showcase, as confirmed by Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO. In a joint decision with Galliano, it was concluded that proceeding with the exhibition would not be appropriate at this time.
John Galliano, a renowned figure in the fashion industry known for his bold designs, faced repercussions after making offensive comments in 2010 and 2011, resulting in his dismissal from Christian Dior and subsequent conviction in France for anti-Semitic behavior. Despite these setbacks, Galliano underwent a period of reformation and later found success at Maison Margiela.
Originally slated to be the focus of a solo exhibition at the Met’s Costume Institute, Galliano’s show would have launched the annual Met Gala, a prominent event in the fashion world overseen by Anna Wintour, global editorial director of Vogue. Despite efforts by the museum to engage with Jewish community leaders prior to the announcement, criticism persisted, with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin expressing relief over the decision to cancel the exhibit, citing concerns about rising anti-Semitism and the negative impact it could have had on the Jewish community.