John Galliano is leaving Maison Margiela. The creative director of the OTB Group-owned brand confirmed the news in a post on Instagram. Galliano arrived at Margiela in 2014, and revolutionised the brand by focusing on impactful and highly detailed collections. The latest, Artisanal 2024, has relaunched his narrative ability and stylistic signature. For months there had been rumours about the likelihood of Galliano leaving the brand as his contract was expiring. Now, the chairs pool and speculation about his future is reopening. Meanwhile, the fashion waltz does not stop. On 9 December, Dries Van Noten appointed veteran Julian Klausner as its new creative director.
Galliano leaves Margiela
Rumours about a possible farewell, we said, had been circulating for months. They had intensified after Virginie Viard, formerly of Chanel, left her position as creative director (position now filled by Matthew Blazy). Others, however, had him joining Fendi, as head of the women’s division, after Kim Jones had announced his resignation. “For the time being, I want to express my immense gratitude to Renzo Rosso who, by inviting me to take on the role of artistic director in the maison that Martin built, gave me the greatest and most precious gift, giving me the opportunity to find my creative voice at a time when I was voiceless.
My wings have been mended and, ten years later, I am forever grateful for this safe space in which to create and for his unwavering support”, commented Galliano in a joint note with OTB founder Renzo Rosso, who thanked the creative for having written a fundamental chapter for the maison.
The seats waltz continues
Thanks to Galliano’s work, Margiela’s sales increased significantly. In 2023, they grew by 22% over the previous year. His ability to tell stories has also led Maison Margiela to triumph on social media. After the Artisanal 2024 fashion show, users started recreating looks from the collection. But the merry-go-round of creative directors continues and spares no one. Since Dries Van Noten announced his retirement from the scene last March, rumours about his successor have multiplied. Until two days ago, when the brand announced the appointment of Julian Klausner. An internal figure at the brand, Klausner was formerly head of womenswear. He will take over from Van Noten at the helm of the Puig-owned brand.
Images from Wikipedia and Klausner’s Instagram profile
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