Fashion lovers have been waiting with bated breath to get a glimpse at legendary designer John Galliano’s first standalone presentation for Maison Martin Margiela in London today. After being fired as Creative Director of Christian Dior and being found guilty of making anti-Semitic remarks in 2011, Galliano has spent the past four years in the fashion wilderness. Aside from a one-season collaboration with Oscar de le Renta in 2013, the Gibraltar born, British trained designer hasn’t presented on the fashion calendar.
Last October his appointment as Creative Director at Maison Martin Margiela was greeted with both excitement and apprehension by the industry. Galliano’s decision to show his debut in London was based on his desire to bring his collection back to where it all started. As one of Central Saint Martin’s most successful graduates, Galliano’s link with the British capital city run deep.
The show will be presented today at 62, Buckingham Gate, a high rise, plate glass building close to St James Park.
Maison Martin Margiela is one of the most avant-garde brands in the industry and should provide ample space for Gallinao to explore the more theatrical side of his aesthetic. Indeed it is possible that there will be a return to his signatures of historical themes, luxuriant aesthetic and cinched, folded and draped silhouettes.
On the other hand, Galliano may use the show as an opportunity to show how his perspective on the world as well as fashion has shifted over the years of his rehabilitation. A new attitude would make a poignant break between his years of excess and pave the way to a new, reinvigorated Maison Martin Margiela. Keep tuned to see the looks as they come!
UPDATE: Our Susannah Frankel is at the show and has been sharing the looks direct from the catwalk. How wonderous! The report is on its way...