John Galliano Show Will Go On, CEO Optimistic About Label’s Future
With a verdict delayed until September 8, the future of John Galliano the designer hangs in the balance.
John Galliano the label, however, appears to be cautiously optimistic.
Though it fired its namesake in April after the designer was arrested for allegedly making anti-Semitic statements, the fashion house will move forward with its June 24 menswear runway show in Paris, Women's Wear Daily reports.
Scheduled to show just two days after the 50-year-old Galliano testified in a Paris court about how addictions to drugs and alcohol and mounting pressure over juggling his "two children," Dior and John Galliano, contributed to his downfall, the Spring 2012 collection has been created by in-house employees dubbed "the heart of our company."
And though the brand's Parlez-Moi d'Amour fragrance has seen stagnant sales and a delayed U.S. launch following the Galliano drama, it has high hopes for its Resort 2012 womenswear collection.
“There has been a lot of interest, a lot of appointments booked, so we will see,” CEO Pierre Denis told WWD. “Obviously it has been a complicated year, but people are keen to support the house, and we are producing great collections. I hope this will be reflected in the sales.”
In the absence of a creative director, the Jazz Age-style, Bessie Smith-inspired range for women was designed by longtime Galliano collaborator Bill Gaytten.
“This creative team is the heart of the company,” Denis said. “It is this great creative energy and talent that can truly capture the Galliano DNA with originality and innovative ideas.”
