What will Dior do next?

John Galliano is currently suspended from his role as Creative Director for Dior after he was arrested for making antisemetic remarks on Friday (25th Feb). A quick web search confirms that this has been covered by every major newspaper/ blog out there and Twitter is awash with opinions that range from mockery to outright anger.

His knee jerk reaction on his arrest was to counter sue the couple he allegedly insulted last Thursday on grounds of defamation. Alas his case can't be looking too good after video evidence of him declaring 'I love Hitler' emerged this morning. The recording is of a seperate incident in which he rants at table of three people in the same bar that played host to his first tirade. (Can't be very good press for said bar La Perle)

What I'm going to find interesting is how Dior will deal with this catastrophe, after all the fashion house can't be seen to forgive and forget Galliano after his repeated outburts, but will they be willing to terminate their 14 year collaboration with him?

Galliano couldn't have picked worse timing for his outbursts, as he was supposed to show the Dior ready - to - wear collection at Paris Fashion week, but for now it's unclear whether he will be present to take his bow at the end of the catwalk.

Galliano arrives for police questioning 28/2/11

Many a celebrity has fallen from grace, notably Mel Gibson for airing his antisemetic views. However others such as Kate Moss after her 'cocaine Kate' scandal, have managed to bounce back with more lucrative contracts than ever before.

A few from the fashion world have articulated their reactions to the arrest, mogul Hilary Alexander says his demons must be confronted 'But one thing is certain: he needs help. I am not for a moment excusing his behaviour. But, right now, this is a moment in his life when he needs support and love from the industry he has given his life to.'

Vogue.com reports that designer Giorgio Armani understands that Galliano must be going through a difficult time and adds that he feels sorry for Galliano because he did not know he was being taped at the time. Should that matter?

It will be interesting to watch the reactions of those around Galliano as the case against him progresses. Will he be abandoned by the fashion world or will it find a way to excuse his behaviour and stick by him?

London Fashion Week, or #LFW.

Today Somerset house drew its curtains on London Fashion Week with this year’s event celebrating the re emergence of Cool Britannia.

Our first lady Samantha Cameron kicked off the four day event last Friday with a party at Downing Street which saw every self respecting fashionista in attendance. Even the once anarchic Dame Vivienne Westwood RSVP’d to number 10.

Sam Cam with Vivienne Westwood at LFW launch party

‘Sam Cam’ has been made an ambassador for British fashion and said at her opening party ‘Fashion is one of our most important industries, full stop. It sends out a really powerful message about creativity - and employs hundreds of thousands of people.’

And she has been teaching a lesson in frugality by wearing the same shoes! Sam Cam has been leading by example by being pictured in the grey Zara heels at least twice in the last four days, and they’re not even designer, or British! The apparentely versatile pair in question are from Spanish high street brand Zara, whose PR must be busy somewhere jumping for joy.

The shoes on the front row at the David Koma show.

The Daily Mail has been speculating that Mrs Cameron doesn’t approve of the particularly slender model used by Erdem, she is reported to be looking ‘stony faced’ and ‘unimpressed’...True the model is extremely slim, some may choose to say ‘gaunt’ but how can anyone you get all of that from Sam Cam’s face? (Look for the hint of beige in the background).

'stony faced' and 'unimpressed' at Erdem

This will undoubtedly reignite the ‘size 0 debate’ which has become so much of a catchphrase within itself that it makes you wonder if it even still exists, let alone ever be solved. LFW 2009 saw the UK editor of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman write to designers to ask them to start creating sample clothing in bigger sizes. Her plea must have fallen on deaf, or just indifferent ears as two years later models and clothes are still miniscule. Designer Maria Grachvogel told The Guardian this week that she has had to make her samples in a size 8 instead of 10, as she can’t find any size 10 models to fill her clothes.

Sounds like a case of the proverbial chicken and the egg; what came first, the size 0 models or the size 0 samples?

Awards season

‘Tis the season to be...glam! The last three days have been choc-a-bloc for the celebs and fashionistas alike. The beautiful people were out in force on Sunday with the BAFTA’s in London and Grammy’s on the other side of the Atlantic. 

 Yesterday saw Emma Watson pick up the ‘style icon’ award at the Elle Style Awards which were hosted by Alexa Chung, and tonight the fashion crowds meet in London for the Brits.

 Leading the way for fringes everywhere was newcomer Jessie J in thigh skimming emerald rock chic with killer heels, complete with varnished black toes.

Critic's choice winner Jessie J

Cheryl Cole  presented the award for Best International Female to Rihanna

Rihanna on the red carpet in Christian Dior Haute Couture

Fearne Cotton, wearing Temperley, presented the Best British Breakthrough act to Tinie Tempah

 Vivienne Westwood designed this year's Brits statuette which was draped in the British flag and three starlets draped themselves in the Dame's designs.

Katherine Jenkins in green Westwood

Paloma Faith in floor length Westwood, she later closed the show with Cee Lo Green

Nominee and last year's Critic's Choice winner Ellie Goulding matched her Westwood to her hair.

 Two time winner Tiny Tempah stood up for the boys, pulling off the kind of geek chic usually only seen in the faux underground bars of East London.

Tinie Tempah wearing Dolce & Gabanna, picked up awards for Best Single for 'Pass Out' and Best Breakthrough.

 Plan B wore Armani to pick up his award for Best British Male Solo, and told host James Corden listeners should expect a return to his hip hop roots with his next album.

 The winners:

Best International Male Solo - Cee Lo Green

Best International Female Solo - Rihanna

Best British Female - Laura Marling

Best British Group - Take That

Best British Album - Mumford & Sons

Best International Group - Arcade Fire

Best International Album - Arcade Fire for The Suburbs

Best International Breakthrough - Justin Bieber

Style Icon title holder Emma Watson must have chosen to have a quiet night in after being out two nights in a row at the Bafta's and Elle style awards.

Vivienne Westwood admitted not knowing who Emma Watson was when presenting her award!

 

There was also no sign of Lady Gaga or her egg.

The only way to travel. Gaga arriving at the Grammys on Sunday

I wonder if Rihanna, Arcade Fire, Justin Bieber and Cee Lo Green were on the same flight? They all hot footed it over from LA after performing at the Grammys on Sunday, can’t get my head around that time difference maths.