After showcasing a stunning Artisanal Collection in January, British fashion designer John Galliano is reportedly set to leave Maison Margiela this Autumn after a decade with the luxury fashion house. Known widely in the fashion world, he has made a significant impact on British culture, becoming a household name with his eponymous brand, eccentric designs, and memorable fashion shows. However, one particular incident drastically affected his career. Mubi is currently streaming the 2023 movie, High and Low – John Galliano, which delves into this and is highly recommended.
High & Low – John Galliano was released on 26 April on the streaming platform. From his glamorous fashion shows to the brands he managed as a creative director, the documentary will delve deep into the life of John Galliano. More than the fame he got, High & Low – John Galliano will circle the incident that acted as a downfall of the designer’s career. Interested in knowing what it is? Here is everything we know about the documentary and its plot.
The events that build the plot of High and Low – John Galliano
John Galliano is known for his grandiose brand and theatrical designs, the fanciful fashion shows and shaping the fashion world. Born in Gibraltar in 1960, the fashion designer moved to London to gain a degree at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. His talent swiftly became apparent, and his early collections caught the eye of prominent figures in the fashion industry. John gained recognition for his innovative and avant-garde designs and soon became the talk of the town.
The launch of his label
In 1984, John Galliano graduated with a degree in fashion design. Post the completion of his degree, he decided to launch his eponymous label, John Galliano as his first move in the fashion world. In no time, the fashion designer gained a stature for his adventurous and unconventional approach to fashion. Historical periods, art, and culture, incorporating intricate detailing and luxurious fabrics often became the inspiration for his designs.
Reaching new heights
Soon, the designer’s career reached new heights. He was appointed the creative director of the French fashion house Givenchy in 1995. During his tenure at the French fashion house, Galliano introduced a sense of romanticism and fantasy into the brand. His work helped him earn critical acclaim, which also aided him in attracting a loyal following. Galliano’s most significant contributions to the fashion world, however, came a year later. He assumed the position as the creative director of Christian Dior 1996 and led the brand to a brand-new level.
At Dior, Galliano’s dramatic runway shows became the stuff of legend, highlighting his unparalleled creativity and technical prowess. John Galliano redefined the brand and its landscape with his flamboyant and opulent designs, earning him numerous awards and cementing his status as one of the most influential designers of his generation. The rise of John Galliano and his brands will be a crucial part of the plot of High and Low – John Galliano.
Personal lows and struggle
The main focus of the High & Low – John Galliano documentary will be on how the fashion designer had to face several difficulties due to an incident. Galliano often faced personal struggles including battles with addiction and controversies surrounding his behaviour. In 2011, he was dismissed from his position at Dior after he made anti-semitic remarks, which sparked outrage and led to widespread condemnation. A drunken Galliano denigrated a group of Jewish women in Paris using offensive antisemitic slurs. He said, “I love Hitler. People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers would all be fucking gassed”. The incident was caught on camera and resurfaced in February 2011 just before Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2011/2012.
The fashion designer denied the allegations through his lawyer. He further launched a defamation lawsuit against the people indicting him of antisemitism. He, however, was found guilty and was sentenced to a total of EUR 6,000 in suspended fines.
The redemption
Since the incident, Galliano has been on a journey of redemption. In 2013, he accepted an invitation from Oscar de la Renta. He agreed to a temporary residency at de la Renta’s design studio to help prepare for a showing of his Fall 2013 ready-to-wear collection during February New York Fashion Week. In 2014, the OTB Group announced that John Galliano had joined Maison Margiela as the creative director of the house. This move marked the designer’s return to a leading role in designing luxury fashion.
More about the movie
High & Low – John Galliano is directed by Kevin Macdonald. The documentary features an in-depth interview with John Galliano along with anecdotes from celebs and models including Charlize Theron, Penélope Cruz, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Anna Wintour, Alexander McQueen and André Leon Talley to name a few.
Other must-watch movies by this director: One Day in September (1999), The Last King of Scotland (2006), State of Play (2009), The Eagle (2011), Marley (2012), The Mauritanian (2021)
Run time: 1 hour 56 minutes
Is the film available in English: Yes, it is
Hero & Feature Image: Courtesy Mubi/Youtube
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– How can I watch High and Low – John Galliano?
You can watch the movie on Mubi.
– What is special about John Galliano?
He is considered to be the most influential person in British culture.
– Did John Galliano work for Dior?
Yes, he was the creative director of the French fashion house.
– Does Netflix have High & Low?
No, it does not.
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Written by
Ananya Swaroop
Digital Writer - Entertainment
Cinema has always fascinated Ananya, so much that she got a degree in media to know more about it. She has worked for magazines like Man's World India and CineBlitz as an entertainment writer. When not writing about films and celebrities, she likes to travel to new places or try new cuisines. Travel and Food are her latest interests and she is looking forward to explore these further.
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