In a heartfelt and reflective Instagram post, John Galliano, one of the most revolutionary figures in modern fashion, announced his departure from Maison Margiela. The designer, who has served as the Artistic Director of the house since 2014, reflected on his journey, his growth, and the indelible impact he’s made at the brand.
Galliano began his statement with a sense of gratitude and introspection, celebrating the evolution of the fashion industry as a collective family. He emphasized the importance of forgiveness and learning from the past, highlighting the shift towards compassion, support, and individuality in fashion. “God is in all of us. NOT when we cancel each other out,” he wrote, urging for a more empathetic approach to creative collaboration and societal progress.
The designer acknowledged the personal challenges he’s faced, including his journey of forgiveness—both of himself and others. Galliano’s statement is imbued with a deep sense of renewal, as he detailed his dedication to sobriety, celebrating 14 years of his journey. “Living a life better than I ever dreamt possible…I strive daily to be a better version of this person,” he shared, reflecting on his own reinvention.
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Galliano’s tenure at Maison Margiela has been marked by bold experimentation, a profound sense of storytelling, and a dedication to challenging norms. He redefined the Maison’s legacy, bringing his theatrical flair and unmatched technical skill to the label while remaining deeply committed to its core values of deconstruction and anonymity. Galliano’s leadership at Margiela was also a testament to his ability to embrace the digital age.
In his farewell, Galliano celebrated the achievements of his “A team,” a group he described as “devout in belief and dedicated to style and technique.” He praised their commitment to slow, ethical fashion and their collective ability to balance beauty, emotion, and innovation. His gratitude extended to the “safe space” he and his teams built together, emphasizing the importance of shared values and courage in the creative process.
The designer’s reflection also touched on his iconic legacy—both as the celebrated John Galliano of the past and the reimagined JG of the present. “I had mourned the loss of JG and my previous identity, but I am much happier with the new version of JG,” he revealed, offering a rare glimpse into his personal evolution. Galliano’s ability to marry his artistic genius with a deep sense of humanity and humility has solidified his status as one of the most influential designers of our time.
While Galliano’s next chapter remains undisclosed, his statement hinted at a continued dedication to dreaming, creating, and pushing boundaries. “When the time is right, all will be revealed. For now, I take this time to express my immense gratitude,” he concluded, leaving fans and the fashion world eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for the visionary designer.
Galliano’s departure from Maison Margiela marks the end of an era, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter in his storied career.
Cody Rooney is the Editor in Chief and senior contributor at liminul.
He is a PhD candidate, digital content specialist, writer, editor, multi-media artist, and photographer.