ByTamara Corin, Tamara Corin
The fashion world is indeed vastly different from the one that the rest of us tend to inhabit. Having worked in and around the industry for more than 15 years, I can confidently say that this has never been more true than it is today. It is desperately clear that the fashion set - by which I mean the high-flying designers of labels that one only dreams of owning (but instead has to make-do with a high-street alternatives) - are almost caricatures.
A rather cliquey set made up of flamboyant, overtly extravagant and incredibly creative people, they're governed by different sets of rules and regulations from those followed by the rest of us. And, no matter how controversial their views, they get away with anything.
John Galliano is a prime example. Just last week, the shamed British-born designer was appointed creative director for Maison Martin Margiela, one of the industry's most renowned houses. What short memories people seem to have. For this high-profile position comes only three years after his ousting from Christian Dior following a very public and utterly inexcusable antisemitic outburst in France, (where antisemitic comments are, in fact, illegal). Many, like me, will find the speed of his return shocking. Let's not forget, this is a man who was openly caught on camera in a bar in Les Marais, Paris's traditional Jewish quarter, shouting abuse at two Italian women saying: "Dirty Jew, people like you ought to be dead, your mothers, your forefathers would all be ****ing gassed. I love Hitler." In fact, neither woman was Jewish, not that Galliano knew this at that time.
Does one usually forgive and forget so easily in the real world? I think not. People are frequently forced from their jobs in business, politics and media for not being politically correct, culturally aware or sensitive. Yet if they uttered similar sentiments to those yelled by Galliano, I doubt their rehabilitation would have been quite so swift. Fashion, however, seems to have its own ideas of what's right and wrong.
To rub salt into a very fresh wound, Galliano has now been handed the sort of high-profile, well-paid role that any designer would dream of. That he is a highly talented and creative individual is indisputable. But, in a world - especially Europe - where antisemitism is flourishing, it's dangerous to have offered a man so notorious a way back in when memories of what he said are so raw.
The fashion world gets away with anything
How can a person be so easily excused for expressing racist sentiments towards Jews - or any other ethnic group? What makes Galliano so different from anyone else? Unfortunately, it's down to the world he inhabits. It's the unrealistic and alien-like rules, beliefs and everyday living that makes the fashion pack think that they are untouchable. By welcoming Galliano back into the public eye, they surmise, it'll be a sure sign that all is forgiven, especially among his peers.
The Galliano that left us in a haze of drink and drug-fuelled self-destruction, has reached out to the Jewish community through Jonathan Newhouse, the publisher and chairman of Condé Nast, and has begun mentoring students at Central Saint Martin's design college, while continuing to have "intense" rehab.
Perhaps someone with his reputation has no choice but to show remorse in an industry that employs many Jews. Or am I being too harsh? Everyone deserves a second chance. Which seems to be the opinion of some fashion editor friends who appear to be far more excited, welcoming and forgiving. For them it's about style and what new look Galliano will bring to the Margiela label. His past transgressions have hardly been commented upon.
What are we to expect from an industry that is, essentially, built on illusion, an escape from everyday life? Fabrics, cuts, technique, style and glamour. That's what it's all about.
Galliano's association with Maison Martin Margiela will no doubt ensure that a brand that has preferred to keep a low profile will have the spotlight turned towards them. It will be interesting to see how his debut collection at next year's Paris Fashion Week will be welcomed. The show must go on and the controversy behind the designer will, if the clothes are good, be no doubt quickly forgotten.
I won't be reporting on the show. Call me an elephant but I don't forgive, or forget for that matter, however much I love fashion.
Tamara Corin is the JC's fashion editor