Is Wintour still en vogue? Met navigates rough seas as Galliano retrospective sinks into 'Horizons'

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Published: 2026-09-02T22:17:06.492Z • Permanent link

François Picard, the director of the Met, announced the cancellation of Galliano's retrospective exhibition just days before its scheduled opening. Dana Thomas, author of Gods and Kings: The Rise and Fall of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, has been a vocal critic of the fashion designer's past controversies. The decision to cancel the exhibition has sparked widespread media attention, with many outlets questioning the timing and implications of the move.

The controversy surrounding Galliano's retrospective has been building for months, with critics pointing to the designer's history of anti-Semitic remarks and accusations of racism. In response to the backlash, the Met's board of trustees made the decision to cancel the exhibition, citing concerns about the potential impact on the museum's reputation. The cancellation has left many in the fashion industry reeling, with some calling for greater accountability from institutions that showcase the work of high-profile designers.

Galliano's personal life has been marred by controversy in recent years, with several high-profile feuds and public outbursts. His behavior has been widely criticized, with many accusing him of being insensitive and divisive. The cancellation of his retrospective exhibition has been seen as a response to these criticisms, with some arguing that the Met's decision is a necessary step to protect the museum's reputation and promote greater diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.

The cancellation of Galliano's retrospective exhibition has significant implications for the fashion industry and the wider cultural landscape. Luxury brands such as LVMH and Kering have been quick to distance themselves from Galliano, with some calling for greater accountability from designers who have been accused of promoting intolerance and racism. The cancellation of the exhibition has also sparked a wider conversation about the role of museums and cultural institutions in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Research communities in the field of fashion studies have long been critical of Galliano's work, with many arguing that his designs perpetuate negative stereotypes and reinforce social hierarchies. The cancellation of the exhibition has been seen as a vindication of these criticisms, with some arguing that the Met's decision is a necessary step to promote greater diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. The impact of the cancellation will be felt far beyond the fashion industry, with some arguing that it sets a precedent for greater accountability from cultural institutions and the wider public sphere.

The cancellation of Galliano's retrospective exhibition is part of a larger pattern of controversy and backlash in the fashion industry. In recent years, designers such as Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs have faced criticism for their treatment of staff and models, with some accusing them of promoting a culture of exploitation and abuse. The Met's decision to cancel the exhibition has been seen as a response to these criticisms, with some arguing that the museum is taking a stand against a culture of intolerance and racism.