Will Retailers Drop Margiela In Light of John Galliano Hire?

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When WWD broke the news that John Galliano was taking over as creative director at Maison Martin Margiela, the report speculated that the house would welcome the attention within the industry that the announcement would bring, even if it meant possible backlash from those who aren't ready to forgive Galliano's past actions.

That backlash is already appearing among retailers who carry Maison Martin Margiela. Robin Givhan of the Washington Post checked in with a local D.C. retailer who has had an ongoing successful partnership with the brand but will be ending the relationship based on Galliano's hiring. "I love this line," Nancy Pearlstein, owner of Georgetown boutique Relish, told Givhan. "The last two seasons especially. And this season, it's been selling fantastically. … But I don't want to promote his behavior."

Relish had been hosting a Maison Martin Margiela pop-up shop that was so successful it had been extended for a year (it was previously due to end in December) but Pearlstein has now decided to pull the plug on the project. "I told them I want to take it down," Pearlstein told Givhan. "I told them I wanted it out of here." According to the report, the brand didn't argue with her decision.
· After an anti-Semitic rant cost him his job, John Galliano lands at Maison Martin Margiela. Is all forgiven? [Washington Post]
· Confirmed: John Galliano to Lead Maison Martin Margiela [Racked]
· How One Stylist Helped Galliano Get a Homeless Man's 'Look' [Racked]