Confirmed: John Galliano to Lead Maison Martin Margiela

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The rumor mill is indeed correct: Designer John Galliano will make his comeback at Maison Martin Margiela. Galliano is expected to lead the creative direction of all Margiela lines, including couture and the women's and men's ready-to-wear collections. The designer will debut his first Margiela designs in January during Paris Couture Week.

"Margiela is ready for a new charismatic creative soul. John Galliano is one of the greatest, undisputed talents of all time—a unique, exceptional couturier for a maison that always challenged and innovated the world of fashion. I look forward to his return to create that fashion dream that only he can create, and wish him to here find his new home," Renzo Rosso told WWD. Rosso is president of OTB, which controls Margiela via a subsidiary.

WWD speculates that bringing on the controversial designer could signal a new, more commercial era for the avant-garde fashion house, writing: "The appointment of a star designer like Galliano also suggests that Rosso is keen to bring more attention to Margiela—and willing to risk a possible backlash by embracing a disgraced designer."
· John Galliano Joins Maison Martin Margiela [WWD]
· Will Margiela Be the Stage For Galliano's Big Comeback? [Racked]
· How One Stylist Helped Galliano Get a Homeless Man's 'Look' [Racked]
· Galliano Dressed Weirdly Normal for His Charlie Rose Interview [Racked]