NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled its planned 2027 exhibition and accompanying Met Gala presentation focused on fashion designer John Galliano following widespread public backlash.
Exhibition Canceled Amid Public Controversy
The decision comes after renewed criticism and public controversy surrounding Galliano’s past statements and actions, including past instances of racism and antisemitism. The planned retrospective at the museum’s Costume Institute was set to highlight the British designer’s influential career in high fashion.
Reports indicate that Galliano withdrew from the showcase as opposition mounted from critics, museum supporters, and community members concerned about celebrating his legacy given his previous anti-Semitic tirades and public controversies.
Background and Context
Galliano, one of fashion’s most prominent figures during his tenure at major luxury houses including Dior and Maison Margiela, saw his career derailed in 2011 after videos surfaced showing him making anti-Semitic slurs at a Paris cafe. While he subsequently apologized and later returned to fashion, his past conduct has remained a point of friction during major public retrospectives.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has not announced alternative plans for the spring 2027 Costume Institute exhibition schedule following the cancellation.
