John Galliano has been stripped of his French Legion of Honour medal.
It was a bad weekend for disgraced designer, John Galliano as news broke that he had been “dethroned” so to speak.
Following his dismissal from Christian Dior and his eponymous label, as a result of an unfashionable drunken tirade in a Paris café, the designer has been dealt another blow. He has been stripped of his prestigious Legion d'Honneur medal, which was awarded to him three years ago by former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy.
The Legion of Honor was awarded to Galliano in recognition for his contributions to French fashion. François Hollande, the newly-appointed French President, made the decision to strip the designer of his prestigious honour. Galliano was found guilty of “public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity” and fined £4 800, despite claiming work-related stress and addiction as defence during his trial last year. He was promptly dismissed from his position at Dior and John Galliano. Said to have undergone treatment, Galliano has kept a low profile, but was recently spotted dining with his fan and US Vogue editor, Anna Wintour. Le Point newspaper broke the news about the president’s decree. This means that the designer is not permitted to wear the medal.
Galliano’s tirade was filmed. He verbally attacked a Jewish museum curator and her friend (of Asian descent). He also proclaimed his admiration for Adolf Hitler. His Paris café tirade cost him his lucrative job, as creative director, and his reputation.
The decision by President Hollande has been welcomed by the president of the European Jewish Congress, Moshe Kantor. Mr. Kantor told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) that the decision is fair. "These types of medals should be more than just about talent in a particular sphere and should also reflect a person's contribution to society and their personal character. Galliano showed in his outbursts that his views are divisive and hateful."
Galliano was appointed Dior’s creative director in 1996. He is also a four-time recipient of the coveted British Fashion Designer of the Year award. The 51-year-old designer is said to be contemplating a move to Los Angeles.