Breaking Fashion News: The Costume Institute Cancels John Galliano Exhibition

For the spring 2027 Met Gala, the very controversial John Galliano had been selected to be honored with an exhibition that displayed the depth and wealth of his fashion aesthetic and genius. Though Galliano’s creative mien and genius is undeniable, his antisemitic and anti-Asian drunken rants have made him a very controversial character. There was also much concern about Galliano’s cultural appropriation of African, Asian, and Native American themes that at times were not culturally sensitive.

The announcement of “John Galliano: Horizons,” exhibit at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum was announced on July 31. However, due to concerns over Galliano’s racist and antisemitic leanings, the Costume Institute on Monday decided to replace the Galliano exhibition with another theme.

“John Galliano: Horizons,” the high-profile spring Costume Institute exhibit that was to be launched by the annual Met Gala next May, will be replaced by another exhibit, the museum said Monday, as reported in npr.org. “Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition,” Max Hollein, director and CEO of the museum, announced in a statement.

The designer joined in the statement, saying: “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. 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.”

Since 2024 Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s curator, and Anna Wintour, former editor-in-chief of American Vogue had worked vigorously to produce and curate the Galliano exhibition. They were deterred by the board of the Metropolitan Museum who expressed strong concern that Galliano’s drunken racist and antisemitic rants made him a controversial and problematic subject.

The Metropolitan Museum board relented and the “John Galliano: Horizons” exhibit was given the final go ahead on July 31. Still, due to public outrage the Galliano exhibition was on very shaky legs.

“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,” Wintour said. “I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support.” Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s longtime curator, also said he agreed with the decision, given “the pain and concern this exhibition has caused.”

That said, imagine how creative and wild the 2027 Met Gala red carpet would have been if “John Galliano: Horizons” exhibition came to fruition. Missed opportunity? Hmm, we shall see!!

William S. Gooch