The recent firing of John Galliano came as a shock and bit of a weary nod to the sensationalism we place in the hands of not only fashion designers and houses, while reminding us (us being party to the court) that though the world may be a stage, that stage is enclosed with many video cameras and photographers just waiting to heighten said sensationalism.
So my stance is two-fold. Galliano's responsibility to himself as a person, to the House of Dior as an employee and spokesperson, and to his responses on any platform, are entirely up to him. Alcohol-fueled name calling and hostile, ruthless battering of Jewish lineage or not, Galliano was totally in control of the way he decided to portray himself in public, which of course is not mindful of his employer but is a symptom of something much very disturbed and hurt with in Mr. Galliano himself. Dior's responsibility is, of course, founded on the premise that they are one of the top fashion houses not only of France but of the world and were founded upon guidelines that Dior respresentatives have found to be misaligned with their values.
In reading blog entry upon blog entry over course of the day, I have read of the scenerio and video taping as being a conspiracy, as being timed too closely and perfectly to the Paris show opening this week, to unwise business venture outside the House of Dior, to Galliano being set up by rival labels. Whatever the case, who on this earth and in the world of fashion is going to want to lay their cards against Dior? And regardless, no one forced Mr. Galliano's reactions and public display of careless, drunken (or whatever else) behavior.
Of course I have no real idea of the series of events, if Galliano ever denied that he did such a thing, if the video surfaced before or after his legal pendings in being fired from Dior, whatever else the media speculates. I was not there. I do know that as representative of myself, and of my employer, or whenever am in the public (just as a citizen and not as the head designer for an incredibly huge and powerful fashion house in Paris, France and internationally known designer) I conduct my self and my thoughts in a way to reflect my values and what I stand for. Behaviors and reactions are things we are taught and learn throughout life, and how we choose to act or react reflects upon our emotional and mental capacity and general self esteem. That said, Galliano made a choice to conduct himself in a way that falls outside of Dior protocol, and protocol being the desicion made to let Galliano go from his employment. I feel this is fair. Should Galliano indeed be proven to be innocent, then that will again be dependent upon protocol.
Whatever Mr. Galliano's reasoning behind his outburst and remarks, it is pointless to speculate other than to hope he finds stable ground to work toward health and that he will choose his words, reactions, and behavior much more wisely in the future. It is pointless to place blame or throw words of anger or hate toward Galliano, as this only perpetuates more anger and hate and is not what the man, or any man, let alone our world, needs more of today. Nor do we need to sympathize or question, but like all human beings through time, we must forgive and let love in. This will be the only way Galliano heals, and all directly and indirectly effected by outburst of hate and anger on any level. And Galliano will pull up his vintage Westwood pirate boot-straps and hopefully, very hopefully, learn something from this. Time shall tell. It always does.
The final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands. ~ Anne Frank
~And you thought this would be inquiring as to whom would now be creating Kate Moss's wedding gown, didn't you? I am positive will remain to be John Galliano.
