John Galliano’s planned retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was canceled, with the institution and the designer announcing that details about a future spring exhibition for the Costume Institute and the 2027 Met Gala will be shared later. The move follows a heated public debate about honoring a fashion figure whose past remarks have sparked controversy.
Direct statements from museum leadership
Max Hollein, the Met’s director and chief executive, explained that the choice emerged after extensive reflection and dialogue with Galliano. “After careful reflection and discussion with John Galliano, we have decided together not to proceed with the exhibition,” he said.
Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, added that museums must confront difficult narratives with honesty and sensitivity. “I recognize the pain and concerns this exhibition has raised. After a thorough review, I support the decision not to proceed,” he affirmed.
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The plan to stage the show in 2027 encountered controversial reactions. Galliano responded in a personal statement, accepting responsibility for the offense his words inflicted on Jewish and Asian communities.
The exhibition will not proceed.
In his own words, Galliano said he remains fully accountable for the hurt caused and expressed deep remorse. He emphasized that genuine redemption cannot be achieved through a single exhibition, institutional acknowledgment, or a public gesture. Instead, he described redemption as an ongoing duty that requires listening, learning, and consistent behavior over time.
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He also thanked the museum for the “extraordinary honor” of being considered for the retrospective and noted that he did not want the controversy surrounding his person to place the Met in a difficult position or distract from the work of the Costume Institute. Galliano further expressed gratitude to those who supported him during his recovery from alcoholism and addiction over the past fifteen years.
The proposed show was intended as a full look at the designer’s career, drawing from the most extensive collection of his work worldwide. The Institute planned to present pieces ranging from his 1984 Central Saint Martins graduation collection to his recent acclaimed Spring/Summer 2024 runway. The program would have included garments from his eponymous label, his periods at Givenchy and Christian Dior, and his tenure at Maison Margiela.
While a new date has not been announced, the Costume Institute continues its regular programming.
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