A Jewish fashion boss has insisted that John Galliano, who was found guilty of an antisemitic tirade in 2011, is ready to return to the world of fashion.
Mr Galliano was handed suspended fines totalling €6,000 (£5,200) after admitting to declaring his love for Hitler during a rant in Paris cafe in February 2011.
The charges led to his dismissal from Dior, but he has now been appointed creative director at Paris-based Maison Martin Margiela, part of the Italian OTB group.
And Armand Hadida, who founded L’Eclaireur and owns multiple boutiques in Paris, spoke of his confidence that the British designer had reformed: “The important thing is to know your mistakes and to learn to correct them, and I guarantee you that John Galliano has done that.”
Mr Galliano, 53, expressed his remorse last year on the American talk show Charlie Rose: “I apologise and I’m trying to make amends in the best way that I can … I hope through my atonement I’ll be given a second chance.”
Following the trial, the stylist undertook rehabilitation for his alcohol and drug problems.
He has also learned about Judaism and antisemitism with help from Anti-Defamation League National Director Abraham Foxman, who told Women’s Wear Daily: “He certainly has tried hard enough to apologise, to put the past behind him and rehabilitate. I think it’s time for people who care to move on.”
