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The unique and unfulfilling tale of renowned fashion designer John Galliano is recounted by filmmaker Kevin Macdonald. Macdonald presents the details and events of the story in a highly skilled and competent manner. However, the film appears to be limited by the necessity to maintain diplomacy with Galliano and his prestigious supporters, with whom Macdonald has close connections.
In the 90s, the highly gifted designer, Galliano, from Gibraltar and Britain, gained widespread recognition for his extravagant designs in the world of high-end fashion. He held the role of creative director at both Givenchy and Dior in Paris. Despite his success, he became overwhelmed with his workload, struggled with substance abuse, and faced emotional difficulties after the passing of his assistant and friend, Steven Robinson. The news of Alexander McQueen’s suicide also deeply affected him. In 2011, evidence emerged of Galliano making offensive and anti-semitic remarks towards women while visibly intoxicated at a café in Paris. This was one of several incidents that led to his criminal conviction and fine.
Some of Galliano’s co-workers claimed that his alcohol and drug use, as well as his nervous breakdown, were responsible for his antisemitic remarks. They argued that these were just symptoms and that he wasn’t truly prejudiced against Jewish people. The fashion industry as a whole seemed to support this argument and pushed aside any thoughts about others who may have faced even more severe problems but did not make similar offensive comments. In an effort to help Galliano, people reached out to organizations and leaders in the Jewish community who agreed to meet with him and assist in his education on the Holocaust.
In 2013, Galliano’s appearance in public in New York wearing a questionable Hasidic Jewish outfit caused controversy. His publicist denied any intentional resemblance, and the Anti-Defamation League called the article a distortion. When questioned by interviewer Macdonald, Galliano only offers a vague response and laughs about leaving New York quickly. While I had hoped for a direct explanation from Galliano and clarification that he did not mean to look like a Hasidic Jew, I was disappointed. The redemption narrative does not feel fully justified.
Source: theguardian.com
