John Galliano Issues Apology & Will Stand Trial

Golden boy no more

As if the turmoil surrounding John Galliano couldn't get any worse. In light of the recent anti-semetic scandal, irrevocably tarnishing the designer's name and reputation, it has been reported Galliano will stand criminal trial in France for charges of public insult.

The overly vilified couturier has "unreservedly" apologized for his harmful comments in a video that has equally shocked and saddened the entire fashion industry. In a statement released by the law firm of Harbottle & Lewis, the fallen fashion giant denies making anti-semitic slurs on February 24 and vows to clear his name and seek help. “I was subjected to verbal harassment and an unprovoked assault when an individual tried to hit me with a chair having taken violent exception to my look and my clothing. For these reasons I have commenced proceedings for defamation and the threats made against me. However, I fully accept that the accusations made against me have greatly shocked and upset people.”

Galliano's lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, confirms the couturier will stand criminal trial at some point in the second quarter.

John Galliano's position as head designer at Christian Dior Couture was terminated March 1 in a swift response to the recently leaked video depicting the designer's racist rant and a separate incident occurring on February 24.

Christian Dior Ousts Galliano With Immediate Effect

Done at Dior

Legendary fashion label Christian Dior has inevitably reached its tether with the intense situation surrounding head designer John Galliano. In a bold announcement early Tuesday, Dior president and chief executive officer Sidney Toledano denounced Galliano's "odious behavior" in a recently leaked video depicting the designer's racist outburst. “We unequivocally condemn the statements made by John Galliano which are in total contradiction to the longstanding core values of Christian Dior". Toledano has confirmed termination proceedings have been initiated and are in full effect.

Dior's statement comes shortly after two separate cases of anti-semetic allegations against Galliano surfaced within the past few days. A second incident from October 2010 was captured on video and posted by British tabloid The Sun igniting a firestorm of media activity.

Meanwhile, Natalie Portman, the new face of the label's "Miss Dior Cherie" perfume and a proud Jewish woman, has swiftly disassociated herself from Galliano in a statement Tuesday. "I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano's comments that surfaced today,” said Portman. “In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful."

John Galliano has been head designer of Christian Dior's haute couture and ready-to-wear divisions since 1996.

According to WWD, it is understood that Dior intends to go forth with its scheduled show March 4 for Paris Fashion Week.

Galliano Files Defamation Claim & Shocked by Dior

"Dior's reaction was extremely excessive"

Shortly after being targeted with allegations of anti-semitism Thursday evening, Dior's John Galliano has responded "firmly and formally" denying any accusations and set forth a defamation claim of his own. According to his lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, Galliano ventured to Paris' third arrondissement midnight Friday to formally provide three witnesses to corroborate his claims of innocence. Not only did the couturier intend to prove his integrity, Galliano swiftly entered a claim of defamation of character and injury against the couple, identified as Géraldine Bloch and Philippe Virgiti, and is awaiting a decision by Parisian police.

Meanwhile, John Galliano is stunned by Dior's harsh decision to remove him from his responsibilities as head couturier pending the outcome of anti-semetic allegations. “Dior's reaction was extremely excessive. He is not guilty and is not embroiled in a court case or anything. He feels it is a decision that has been made without verification of the facts and based on one side of the story and he is very shocked about that", Zerbib said.

John Galliano has been Dior's head designer since being appointed in October 1996.

Dior Temporarily Suspends John Galliano In Midst of Anti-Semetic Remarks

Galliano in 2005

Renowned fashion house Christian Dior has temporarily suspended John Galliano due to allegations of anti-semitism. While dining at a Paris cafe Thursday evening, Galliano was apparently involved in a verbal altercation where alleged racist comments were uttered by the couturier prompting an immediate police investigation. In a swift response to the allegations and Galliano's detaining by Parisian police, Sidney Toledano, Christian Dior's president and chief executive officer, announced the suspension due to a "zero tolerance" policy regarding racism and anti-Semitism. "Pending the results of the inquiry, Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his responsibilities."

As of now, John Galliano's lawyer, Stéphane Zerbib, has announced the couturier's prompt denial of any alleged accusations. “They said bad things against him. He said bad things against them. And that’s all,” said Zerbib. “Afterwards, the police came and the story’s closed, and that’s all…. He never used against anyone anti-Semitic words or racist words, as it is not his way.”

Galliano has been preparing for the imminent Paris Fashion Week to present the new Dior autumn/winter ready-to-wear collection on March 4 as well as a set for his own eponymous label on March 6.

Happy 86th Birthday to Chanel's Famed Logos

Not only does today signify your author's birthday, but one, like myself, can be immensely honored to share this historic day with none other than renowned fashion empress, Gabrielle Chanel. Although today is not her personal birthday however, February 24 marks the eighty-sixth anniversary of both her iconic text logos of "CHANEL" and the symbolic interlocking "CC" images being trademarked in New York City back in 1925. Unmistakably powerful in the world of fashion, Chanel's logos are recognized worldwide to symbolize style, elegance, perseverance, and unsurpassed luxury. As an undeniably loyal and devout admirer of Mademoiselle Chanel, I'm quite ecstatic to share my birthday with her legendary and historic fashion house.

London Fashion Week - Julien Macdonald's Dark Lady

Gothic Revival

With a drastic vintage aesthetic in mind, Julien Macdonald has gracefully designed a rather sublime collection based on gothic fashions from the 1500s. At first, one may find the first segment of the show to be overly focused on solid black ensembles but, with a second glance, the remarkable layering of silk, tulle, and embroidery awarded naysayers with faith over initial doubt. The show progressed with his lovely takes on the centuries-old peasant dress featured in lime, pink, and lavender pastels. Several models trotted down the catwalk with lovely pleated skirts and trains accessorized with knee-high boots and light make-up to parallel the presentation's dark and moody atmosphere. Overall, the romance and glamour of Macdonald's autumn/winter collection were smooth on the eyes and fully apparent in the designers intricate craftsmanship.

Photos courtesy of WWD

Glamorous Granny at Pringle of Scotland

Knitted Beauties

Who says grandmothers never exhibit impeccable style when it comes to dressing? Certainly not Clare Waight Keller, Pringle of Scotland's creative director, who churned out a rather delightful autumn/winter collection inspired by the traditionally influential matriarch for London Fashion Week. With a dominance of several grey tones, as well as a generous amount of browns, Keller's presentation revealed designs ranging from high-waisted tweed and Prince of Wales trousers to a sleeveless trapeze coat and poncho knit tops. Eerily similar to Lagerfeld's fall 2010 collection for Chanel were the knitted raccoon dresses & coats with fur detailing as well as the fur boots and shoes. Nonetheless, the lines were soft and slim but undeniably geared towards practicality and comfort.