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Galliano via Getty
Vanity Fair has made good on the rumors that it would host the first interview with John Galliano since he was unceremoniously ousted from Dior due to alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and at least one Hitler rant.
The initial image in his photo spread, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, depicts the designer as a forlorn woodsman, and interviewer, Ingrid Sischy, writes of Galliano's future: "He has begun taking baby steps to re-enter the world of fashion. My prediction: Get ready for his second act." The preview of the interview includes quotes almost exclusively addressing the course of his addiction while at Dior and his sobriety, which you can find below.
1. First and foremost, the mea culpa: "It's the worst thing I have said in my life, but I didn't mean it. [...] I have been trying to find out why that anger was directed at this race. I now realize I was so fucking angry and so discontent with myself that I just said the most spiteful thing I could."
2. The bizarre thanks: "It sounds a bit bizarre, but I am so grateful for what did happen. I have learned so much about myself. I have re-discovered that little boy who had the hunger to create, which I think I had lost. I am alive."
3. On his job: "What had started as self-expression turned into a mask. I lived in a bubble. I would be backstage and there would be a queue of five people to help me. One person would have a cigarette for me. The next person would have the lighter. I did not know how to use the A.T.M."
4. On the night of the anti-Semitic rant: "When everyone came over to tell me that I had done these terrible things, I was walking round and round and round not really knowing what had gone down. My assistant told me about the video. When I saw it, I threw up. The feeling was like I was about to take a step out onto the street and a bus or truck whooshed past me and the blood was drained from my legs. I was paralyzed from the fear."
5. On the first smidgeon of hope: "Creating Kate's wedding dress saved me personally because it was my creative rehab. She dared me to be me again."
Find the full article in the magazine's July 2013 issue. In it, you'll find more quotes from fashion's famous close to the designer including Kate Moss, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Elton John, Anna Wintour, Jonathan Newhouse, and Naomi Campbell as well as members of the Jewish community, including Rabbi Barry Marcus, of London's Central Synagogue, and Abe Foxman, head of the Anti-Defamation League.
· Exclusive: John Galliano, in First Interview Since Firing, On Addiction, His Outburst, and His Future in Fashion [Vanity Fair]
· John Galliano's Parsons Gig Cancelled [Racked]
· Can You Spy Galliano's Influence in Oscar de la Renta's Fall Line? [Racked]
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