The Metropolitan Museum of Art is facing growing criticism over plans to honor John Galliano at its Costume Institute exhibition. The event would be the third solo exhibition for a living designer at the Met, following Yves Saint Laurent and Rei Kawakubo.

In 1983, Yves Saint Laurent became the second living designer to receive a solo exhibition at the Met, while Rei Kawakubo followed suit in 2017. Galliano's work has been credited with growing luxury-fashion brand Dior into a global giant.

Context and Historical Background

However, Galliano was fired from Dior in 2011 after making antisemitic remarks during a fashion show. He received a fine and was forced to pay damages and court fees. Following the scandal, Galliano met with Jewish leaders and rabbis, receiving blessings from groups like the Anti-Defamation League.

A growing number of voices are criticizing the plan to honor Galliano. According to The New York Times, criticism has grown stronger among Jewish leaders in New York and beyond. Donors have contacted Met executives and threatened to rescind gifts to the museum if the exhibition moves forward as planned.

Opposition Grows

Its choices carry enormous weight, both here and around the world,” she continued.

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“I believe this choice falls short of the standard New Yorkers should expect from it.”

Organizers of the Met Gala are reportedly considering changing the date of the 2027 event amid growing backlash over plans to honor John Galliano.

In July, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced that Galliano’s work would be spotlighted in the Met’s Costume Institute. This exhibition serves as the centerpiece for the annual Met Gala, an event attended This would make him the third living designer to receive a solo exhibition at the Met, following Yves Saint Laurent in 1983 and Rei Kawakubo in 2017.

At the time, it was announced that the exhibit would feature all the highs and lows, including his antisemitic rant. Galliano is credited with growing luxury-fashion brand Dior into a global giant.

However, he was fired Galliano retreated from public life for two years and was found guilty He received a fine and was forced to pay damages and court fees. Galliano met with Jewish leaders and rabbis following the scandal and received blessings from groups like the Anti-Defamation League.