The Met Gala 2027 is already stirring up controversy this August, following the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s announcement that John Galliano will be the focus of the Costume Institute’s upcoming exhibition. The decision has drawn criticism due to the British designer’s history of antisemitic and racist remarks, while simultaneously reigniting the conversation about the relevance of his work in contemporary fashion.
The exhibition, titled John Galliano: Horizons, will open in May 2027 and trace the various stages of the designer’s career—from his early years to his work for Givenchy, Dior, and Maison Margiela, as well as the collections created under his own label. With this show, Galliano will become only the third living designer to be the subject of a monographic exhibition at the Costume Institute, following Yves Saint Laurent in 1983 and Rei Kawakubo in 2017.
Why is the Met Gala 2027 sparking controversy?
The controversy surrounding the announcement stems from events in 2011, when Galliano was detained in Paris following an altercation at the bar La Perle, where he directed antisemitic and racist insults at several individuals. Months later, a recording made at the same establishment surfaced, revealing further offensive remarks by the designer; the release of this footage had immediate consequences for his career at Dior.
The French justice system took the case to court and ruled that the designer’s statements constituted incitement to racial hatred; he received a suspended sentence and was ordered to pay financial compensation to the victims and various anti-racism organizations.
During the proceedings, Galliano explained that he was suffering from severe dependency on alcohol, Valium, and sleeping pills; years later, he acknowledged the gravity of his statements and expressed remorse. His recovery was also addressed in the 2024 documentary High & Low – John Galliano.
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The Metropolitan Museum has indicated that these controversial episodes will be addressed within the exhibition itself. Prior to the announcement, representatives from the institution spoke with Anna Wintour and members of New York’s Jewish community to discuss the exhibition’s approach.
What will the dress code be for the 2027 Met Gala?
Although John Galliano: Horizons is the exhibition that will accompany the 2027 Met Gala, the dress code has not yet been revealed. The gala will serve as the exhibition’s opening event, and the dress code will draw inspiration from its theme, though the interpretation will be left to the guests.
For now, the Metropolitan Museum has only confirmed the exhibition and its opening in May 2027. The official dress code will be announced at a later date, so there are currently no definitive indications regarding the outfits celebrities will wear.
