The Metropolitan Museum of Art and fashion designer John Galliano have decided to cancel the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition honoring his work. The decision comes after strong criticism from the Jewish community and others over Galliano’s past antisemitic and racist remarks.
The exhibition, named “John Galliano: Horizons,” was scheduled to open in May 2027 and run through January 2028. It would have made Galliano only the third living designer to receive a solo show at the Met’s Costume Institute, following Yves Saint Laurent in 1983 and Rei Kawakubo in 2017.
Museum and Designer Agree to Cancel Exhibition
Max Hollein, director and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, announced the decision on August 31, 2026. The museum and Galliano reached the agreement after weeks of public debate.
“Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition.” – Max Hollein, Met Museum Director and CEO
Galliano also released a statement explaining his choice to step away from the project.
“After much reflection and discussion with The Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time.” – John Galliano
Galliano Acknowledges Past Wrongdoing
In his statement, Galliano took responsibility for his past actions. He specifically mentioned the hurt he caused to Jewish and Asian communities.
“I remain fully accountable for the pain caused by my words in the past, particularly the hurt I caused to the Jewish and Asian communities, and I remain deeply sorry for it.” – John Galliano
Galliano also said that an exhibition alone cannot make up for past mistakes. He described accountability as an ongoing responsibility that requires listening, learning, and proper conduct over time. He added that he did not want the debate surrounding him to put the Met in a difficult position or distract from the Costume Institute’s work.
The designer also expressed gratitude to those who supported him during his 15 years of recovery from alcoholism and addiction.
Anna Wintour Supports the Decision
Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director and a longtime Met trustee, backed Galliano’s choice to cancel the exhibition. Wintour has been a close friend and supporter of Galliano for many years and helped him return to the fashion industry after his downfall.
“John’s decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is. I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support.” – Anna Wintour
Why the Exhibition Faced Backlash
The controversy stems from incidents in 2010 and 2011 when Galliano made antisemitic and racist comments. He was filmed making antisemitic remarks at a Paris café. These events led to his firing from Christian Dior, where he had been creative director for 15 years.
A French court convicted Galliano of a hate crime in 2011. He received a suspended fine of €6,000 and was ordered to pay damages and court fees. After the conviction, Galliano spent several years away from public life and worked to rebuild his career.
He made a comeback in 2014 when Paris fashion house Maison Margiela hired him. He stayed there for a decade. Despite his return to fashion, his past comments continued to follow him.
The Met Tried to Address the Controversy
The museum had planned to use the exhibition to examine both Galliano’s creative work and his past misconduct. Organizers said the show would “address the derogatory conduct that fundamentally altered his career”. The Met also held discussions with Jewish community leaders before announcing the exhibition, hoping to reduce backlash.
However, the criticism only grew stronger. Andrew Bolton, curator in charge of the Costume Institute, acknowledged the pain the exhibition caused.
“I believe deeply in the responsibility of museums to examine difficult histories with rigor, candor, and care. I also recognize the pain and concern this exhibition has caused.” – Andrew Bolton
Political Leaders and Donors Opposed the Exhibition
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin became one of the most vocal critics of the planned exhibition. She held multiple meetings with the Met to express her opposition.
“After my numerous and lengthy meetings and conversations with The Met, I am pleased that they have agreed to not honor John Galliano. From the beginning, I have told them that I strongly disagreed with this decision, and at this rising time of antisemitism, it had served as a gut punch to the Jewish community. This is the correct decision, as the harm and pain this was causing was simply unacceptable.” – Julie Menin
Donors also threatened to withdraw their financial support if the museum went forward with the exhibition. The New York Times reported that some donors contacted Met executives and said they would rescind gifts.
What Happens to the 2027 Met Gala Now
With the Galliano exhibition canceled, the 2027 Met Gala no longer has a theme or dress code. The Met Gala always takes its theme from the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition.
The museum has confirmed that a replacement exhibition will be announced later. Details about the new theme and whether the gala’s schedule will change have not yet been revealed.
The 2027 Met Gala was originally scheduled for May 3, 2027. Organizers had reportedly considered changing the date to avoid conflict with Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day. That discussion is now moot with the exhibition canceled.
Related:
Galliano’s Career Rise and Fall
Galliano rose to fame as one of fashion’s most creative designers. His dramatic, theatrical designs helped transform Christian Dior into a global powerhouse. He also worked for his own label, Givenchy, and Maison Margiela.
His career came crashing down in 2011 when videos of his antisemitic comments went viral. After his conviction, he spent years working to rehabilitate his image. He consulted with Jewish leaders, rabbis, and groups like the Anti-Defamation League.
The Met exhibition would have been a major milestone in his comeback. Instead, it has become another chapter in the ongoing debate about whether society should separate an artist’s work from their personal conduct.
The museum and Galliano have not announced any future plans for a Galliano exhibition. The Costume Institute will now focus on finding a replacement show for spring 2027.
For more entertainment news and updates, keep reading VvipTimes for the latest stories from the world of fashion, film, and pop culture.
Leave a Reply