John Galliano cancels Met exhibition: “I don’t want to put the Met in a difficult position”

John Galliano’s planned spring 2027 exhibition at New York’s Metropolitan Museum will not go ahead, in a reversal that ends a summer of controversy around the proposed retrospective.

Galliano said he did not want debate over his role to put the museum in a difficult position or distract from the Costume Institute’s work. He also acknowledged that a major exhibition honoring him would be painful for some people, while thanking those who supported him through addiction and alcoholism over the past 15 years.

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I don’t want the debate about my role to put the Met in a difficult position or distract from the remarkable work of the Costume Institute.

The designer was once celebrated as a leading force in fashion and became the first British designer in Paris after Charles Worth, who is credited with inventing haute couture in the 19th century. His career collapsed after a 2011 scandal involving racist and antisemitic abuse. He was convicted and dismissed by Dior after a video emerged in which he expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler and referred to Nazi gas chambers.

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I understand that a major exhibition in my honor would be painful for some.

Galliano later underwent treatment and worked with Jewish organizations before withdrawing from public life. He returned to fashion three years later as chief designer at Maison Margiela, a role he held from 2014 to 2024. Zara recently announced that he would create collections for the fast-fashion retailer.

Met director Max Hollein said the museum and Galliano had reached the decision after “thoughtful discussions.” Vogue editor Anna Wintour called Galliano’s decision brave, while Galliano thanked Hollein, Costume Institute head Andrew Bolton and Wintour for their support.

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After thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have jointly decided not to proceed with preparations for the exhibition.