The Metropolitan Museum of Art has officially canceled its planned 2027 Costume Institute spring exhibition and gala, which was originally intended to honor British fashion designer John Galliano. The decision was announced on Monday, August 31, following intense public scrutiny and widespread criticism regarding the designer’s past conduct.
Max Hollein, the director and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, confirmed the cancellation in a statement, noting that the choice was made after thoughtful discussions with Galliano. In his own statement, the designer expressed profound gratitude for the initial honor but explained that after deep reflection, he did not want the ongoing debate surrounding his past to place the museum in a difficult position or distract from the Costume Institute’s mission.
Galliano, a visionary figure in fashion known for his influential tenures at Dior and Givenchy, saw his career trajectory shift dramatically in 2011. That year, he was arrested for antisemitic and racist incidents, including a widely circulated video in which he expressed support for Hitler while intoxicated at a Paris bar. Following his conviction for hate crimes and a subsequent fine, the designer entered rehabilitation and remained largely out of the public eye until his 2014 appointment as creative director at Maison Margiela.
The announcement of the 2027 theme sparked immediate online debate, with critics questioning the appropriateness of honoring a designer with such a documented history of hate speech. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin was among the most vocal opponents, having sent a formal letter to the museum urging a reconsideration. Following the cancellation, Menin stated she was pleased with the outcome, describing the original decision to honor Galliano as a “gut punch” to the Jewish community during a period of rising antisemitism.
Andrew Bolton, the Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute, emphasized the museum’s responsibility to examine difficult histories with care. He acknowledged the pain the proposed exhibition had caused and expressed his support for the decision to withdraw the project. Anna Wintour also weighed in, praising Galliano’s decision to step back as a “courageous” act and a reflection of his personal growth.
In a personal statement, Galliano took full accountability for his past actions, specifically acknowledging the hurt he caused to the Asian and Jewish communities. He noted that he does not believe meaningful atonement can be achieved through institutional recognition or exhibitions, but rather through long-term conduct and personal responsibility. He expressed deep appreciation for the support he has received during his fifteen years of sobriety and recovery.
While the museum has not yet announced a replacement theme for the 2027 spring exhibition, officials confirmed that a new subject will be selected at a later date. The cancellation marks a significant pivot for the institution, which had previously faced pressure to uphold standards of inclusiveness and tolerance in its programming. The report also notes that with legendary creative director roles at Dior and Givenchy and designs beloved by stars like Nicole Kidman, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Charlize Theron and even Princess Diana, galliano – who recently began a two-year creative partnership with Zara – has been known as one of the greatest fashion visionaries. The report also notes that the catalyst for the backlash to his selection as the subject of the Met’s exhibit and its accompanying gala, but the designer suffered a fall from grace in 2011 after he was arrested for antisemitic and racist incidents. The report also notes that lenders, collaborators, and community leaders who contributed their knowledge, trust, and perspectives to the project.”, i remain deeply grateful to my colleagues and to the advisors. The report also notes that wintor added: “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. The report also notes that 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. The report also notes that i also recognise and respect that an exhibition honouring my work would be painful for some.