Anna Wintour was seen attending the US Open in New York City, appearing somber, just hours after the cancellation of a planned Met Gala exhibition that was set to honor designer John Galliano. The exhibition, which was to feature an extensive display of Galliano's work, was scheduled for next May.
Galliano announced the postponement of the exhibition on Monday morning, stating, "after much reflection and discussion with all those involved" it was "best for the exhibition not to take place at this time." Wintour, a long-time collaborator with Galliano and a central figure in the Met Gala, praised the designer's decision as "courageous" in a statement released via Vogue. "I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support," Wintour said, also commending Galliano's "soaring imagination" and "exceptional craft."
The planned exhibition had drawn significant backlash due to Galliano's 2011 antisemitic and racist remarks made at a Paris cafe. Images surfaced of Galliano making derogatory comments, including expressions of admiration for Hitler and using racial slurs. The controversy led to his dismissal from Dior and his own eponymous brand. Galliano was convicted in France in 2011 for making racist and antisemitic remarks. He was later fired from his own self-named brand, and his Legion of Honor was rescinded.
In his statement, Galliano acknowledged the hurt caused by his past actions, particularly to the Jewish and Asian communities. He expressed that he "remain[s] fully accountable" and understands that "meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture." He added that he "recognized" and "respected" that the exhibition might be "painful for some."
Wintour was observed at the US Open watching a match between Tallon Griekspoor and Ben Shelton during the first round of the tournament. She was seen with a serious expression, arms crossed, dressed in a green and white collared dress, and wearing dark sunglasses. Her signature bob hairstyle was also visible.
The Met Gala, a major fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was originally intended to highlight Galliano's career. The initial announcement of the exhibition sparked controversy, particularly as it coincided with Yom HaShoah, the Jewish day of Holocaust remembrance. A new theme for the Met Gala has not yet been announced.