Thursday 3 March 2011

Fashion Victim

The world of fashion was rocked last week when it was reported that John Galliano, creative director at Dior, had been arrested for making abusive, racist and anti-semitic remarks whilst drunk in Paris.

After a video of Galliano professing to 'love Hitler' was released on the internet relating to a separate incident, the designer was fired from his role at Dior and could face jail if found to be guilty.

His disgusting remarks were condemned by actress and recent oscar winner Natalie Portman, who also happens to be a devout Jew. She said that in light of these allegations, she would 'not be associated with Mr Galliano in any way'.

Natalie Portman and John Galliano before the recent allegations

But the furore surrounding Galliano's antics has seen some of the world's leading fashion figures come out in defense of his behaviour. When many would have expected role models, celebrities and fashion editors to express sentiments similar to those of Miss Portman's, it seems as though the opposite has happened. Instead of angrily attacking the fact that racist and anti-semitic persons still exist in our society, the fash pack seemed to collectively pronounce their woe at the demise of a creative genius. Fellow designer Roberto Cavalli even sided with Galliano, saying 'John, I am with you'.

Creative genius or not, surely actions as contemptible as these outweigh any consideration of an individual's talent? This seems to be another case of the fashion world forgetting that they have humane responsibilities that should utterly override any sadness derived from the dismissal of a skilled designer. It is at times like these when reality should bite, and I don't think I'm the only one to express concern over the fashion world's ability to completely miss the point.

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