Fashion News Alert: Galliano Breaks Silence, Girbaud Joins Forces with J Brand, and Urban Outfitters Goes Big

Self-reflection can be a good thing. And it seems that after some soul searching John Galliano has broken his silence and come to terms with some of his demons.

According to the huffingtonpost.com, Galliano in a recent interview in the French magazine Le Point, reveals his struggles with alcohol and drugs. “These past three years have taken me on an incredible journey. I have come face-to-face with my demons, the pills and alcohol. I have been on a withdrawal program, and rebuilt myself,” he told Le Point.

Oh, the precipitous road to genius!!

Francois Girbaud resurfaces

Remember those fantastic Girbaud Marithe jeans of the 1980s and 90s? Since the company went bankrupt a few years back, little has been heard from the denim visionary Francois Girbaud. Other than being involved in water conservation and laser technologies, Girbaud has been all but absent from the fashion world.

Well, that is all about to change as it was recently announced that Francois Girbaud would be joining LA­–based jean company, J Brand. Though his title and position has yet to be confirmed, Girbaud admits that he will be very comfortable in Los Angeles around transplanted French confreres from the world of denim.

Since the departure of J Brand founder Jeff Rudes last May, the company has experienced a lot of shakeups. Andrew Rosen has taken over the general management from Fast Retailing president Tadashi Yani, and Lynne Koplin was hired from True Religion, given the title of president in charge of retail, sales, merchandizing, and e-commerce.

Since the brand’s acquisition by Fast Retailing the denim brand has incorporated ready-to-wear lines. J Brand has a goal of become full-fledged fashion brand in the near future.

Size Matters

If twelve stores in New York City were not enough, Urban Outfitters has opened its largest, its thirteenth to be exact, on 34^th Street in Herald Square.

The 56, 000 square foot store extends over several floors will house the Urban Outfitters clothing lines, as well as beauty products, accessories, books and music. The complex’s beauty floor will bring together 45 national and international brands. There will also be independent retailers such as the Los Angeles–based Hairroin hair salon, the record store Amoeba Music, and the eyewear brand Tortoise & Blonde.

—William S. Gooch