Paris Fashion Week A/W 2011-2012 Was All About Galliano

Paris Fashion Week is the last fashion showing from the four major fashion markets each season. For autumn/winter 2011-2012 Paris Fashion Week sizzled, not only from the fashions but also from scandal. Fashion designer John Galliano caused a scandalous stir for the major fashion week that resulted in a firing, possible prison time and one of the best collections of the season.

The Scandal of Paris Fashion Week A/W 2011-12: John Galliano

If you haven't already heard, Paris Fashion Week began with a scandal created by fashion designer John Galliano. The famous designer was taped last December making anti-Semitic remarks to a woman during a verbal altercation at Le Perle bar. In February, at the same bar, Galliano found himself in another verbal altercation with a woman and yet again made anti-Semitic remarks and racial slurs.

The story of last month's incident broke out along with the video from the December incident. The scandal worsened when Natalie Portman, the face of Dior Miss Cherie, announced she would not be associated with anyone who makes such remarks. As result, Christian Dior fired Galliano just three days before the Paris showing. That is not the end of the designer's troubles. He may also face possible prison time and a fine in Paris, as France takes racism very seriously and is punishable under law in the country.

Possible Fashion Redemption Seen at Paris Fashion Week at Galliano's Signature Collection

While Moet Hennessey-Louis Vuitton (LVMH) may have fired John Galliano as head of Christian Dior, the company did not disclose the fate of his signature label. This leaves John Galliano still the head of his fashion label. There may be redemption for the designer after his label's A/W 2011-2012 showing in Paris on Sunday, Mach 6, 2011. However, even after such a stellar collection from the designer, who is rumored to be in an Arizona rehab, it will take time for the fashion industry (especially the Paris fashion scene) to forgive and heal.

John Galliano's Autumn/Winter 2011-2012 Collection at Paris Fashion Week

Galliano's A/W 2011-12 collection consisted of merely 20 designs, but oh, what designs they were. The now infamous designer's label displayed a small collection inspired by the luxury and glamour of the 1930's. Very lady-like and sensuous in the same breath was each frock paraded in front of retailers, fashion editors, journalist and photographers.

The top designs from the Galliano collection were:

- The charcoal grid-print suit with bow collar and sheer ruffled at the jacket and sleeve hem.

- Karlie Kloss modeled a sheer, violet halter gown with a white arrowhead repetitive print.

- A dark green satin and lace halter gown with the right skirt and front middle fashion in a dark moss satin with the rest of the gown in a sheer lace with sparkling green leaf detail.

- The most elegant gown from the collection is a simple champagne-colored Greek chiton-like gown that is cinched at the hem forming a billowy effect at the skirt. This is definitely a red carpet worthy gown.

While Galliano's future in fashion design and in life may be uncertain, I do feel there is a light at the end of the tunnel for him. This collection and according to Style.com, the retail orders already coming in for it, may be the first of many building blocks the designer has to rebuild his reputation. If rehab goes well, a sincere apology made with some humbleness, the former design head of Dior may be able to make a slow rebound. As far as his potential legal troubles, that is up to France to decide. However, I do not believe the fashion world will not totally shun John Galliano for long. However, he may spend a few years as the industry's black sheep.

SOURCES

Fashion World Flocks to See Galliano Collection

John Galliano Fall RTW 2011