Zara Launches John Galliano Collection After Met Museum Cancellation
Zara released the Re{form collection designed by John Galliano following the Metropolitan Museum of Art's cancellation of a gala honoring the designer.
Fast fashion retailer Zara launched its debut Re{form collection designed by couturier John Galliano. The release occurred shortly after the Metropolitan Museum of Art cancelled a planned exhibition and gala honoring Galliano. The museum withdrew the honor following widespread backlash from politicians, patrons, and Jewish leaders regarding Galliano's 2011 hate crime conviction for racist and antisemitic rants.
While the museum distanced itself from the designer, Zara proceeded with the launch and signed Galliano to a two-year contract. Industry critics describe the partnership as a strategic effort by the retailer to pivot toward affordable luxury and differentiate itself from ultra-fast fashion competitors. Customers queued at the Zara store on Bond Street in London for the collection's release.
Galliano, a former creative director of Margiela, addressed the Met cancellation by stating he remains fully accountable for the pain caused by his past words, specifically citing the hurt caused to Asian and Jewish communities.
