Cliff Notes

Is fashion to blame for John Galliano's ugly behavior?

Milan and New York have their fashion moments, but Paris still sets the standard. For much of the past decade, the highlights of every fashion week in the French capital have come from two British wunderkinds.

No one has consistently presented more amazing shows than John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. I was fortunate to see several shows by both designers — McQueen often showed wildly imaginative collections in arenas far from the Louvre, where many shows are held, while Galliano created lavish collections for Christian Dior with sets worthy of a Broadway blockbuster, along with quirkier shows featuring his namesake line (one included farm animals) — and they never ceased to amaze with their sheer beauty and sense of theatricality.

But neither designer was able to cope with his demons and, as a result, fashion has lost much of its magic.

Galliano was dismissed from his job as creative director at Dior Tuesday, following a drunken, anti-Semitic rant at a Paris bar and the release of a video in which he said, "I love Hitler." His dismissal comes a little over a year after McQueen committed suicide and a few days before Galliano's fall collection for DIor is to be shown in Paris.

Galliano seemed an odd choice when he was hired as creative director at Dior in 1997. Known as the "enfant terrible" of the fashion scene, he took pleasure in shocking and courting controversy. But bankrolled by the deep pockets of luxury conglomerate LVMH, Galliano indulged his wildest fashion fantasies and made Dior relevant again with fresh looks that updated and honored the traditions of the famed French fashion house.

His shows were often controversial — a collection of tattered gowns inspired by homeless people in Paris drew pickets in front of Dior headquarters — and almost always memorable. For Dior's 60th anniversary in 2007, Galliano pulled out all the stops with a haute couture show at Versailles inspired by 500 years of art history and featuring supermodels Naomi Campbell and Giselle Bündchen. With the exception of Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel and Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton, few designers have had such large financial backing to dream as big as Galliano.

At the end of each Dior show, the audience cheered until Galliano made a dramatic appearance on the runway in a dramatic pose, his profile enhanced by a spotlight. Until recently, the 50-year-old designer usually came out barechested. Then he would retreat to a backstage tent where he would receive only selected visitors.

Such eccentricities seemed oddly endearing until his recent outburst. Galliano's anti-Semitic rant seemed to catch everyone off-guard. The New York Times cites several friends who said that the designer's behavior had become erratic and that he had been drinking heavily. Oscar winner Natalie Portman, the face of the Miss Dior Cherie fragrance, said she was "shocked and disgusted" by his behavior. Some are wondering if Portman forced Dior's hand with her strong condemnation. Nowdays, perfume adds a lot more to the bottom line than haute couture.

Such disgusting behavior isn't exclusive to the fashion industry (note Charlie Sheen and Mel Gibson), but the idea of the tortured genius seems to be part of the fashion myth.

‘‘The trouble with fashion is that it’s a hard job and in the end it makes you crazy,’’ fashion consultant Donald Potard told the Times. ‘‘There’s so much pressure to create and create all the time. You must be strong or this job will destroy you.’’

I don't buy it. It's a tough business, but coal miners have it a lot harder. Top designers are often treated like spoiled brats, with their every whim indulged and their eccentricities overlooked. They are overpraised by the fashion press, particularly if they work for a large conglomerate with a big advertising budget, until they do something so heinous it can't be ignored. When was the last time Vogue offered honest criticism of a designer?

I suspect Galliano and Gibson would be foul-mouthed bigots no matter what profession they took up. But it's sad to see such talent wasted.

Galliano is reported already headed for rehab. He is likely to come out, repent his sins and resurrect his career at a fashion house that needs help.

Meanwhile, Dior will continue under the direction of another hot name — Lanvin's Alber Elbaz and Ricardo Tischi of Givenchy are among the early favorites to succeed Galliano. The McQueen label, under the direction of his longtime assistant Sarah Burton, lacks theatrics but it has drawn good notices, which is likely more than enough for its owner the Gucci Group. (Michelle Obama wore one of Burton's McQueen gowns to the state dinner for the Chinese premiere.) In fashion, like any business, the bottom line is the bottom line.

And there will always be the next big thing.

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where to shop now

Where to shop now: 12 Houston stores with must-see holiday finds

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing in Houston, and shoppers are already busy checking names off their gift lists. Despite the fashionably late arrival of Thanksgiving this year, there is still plenty of time to find the perfect presents for everyone on the proverbial shopping list.

Whether hunting for something stylish, timeless, or entertaining, this Houston-centric shopping guide covers everything. There are ideas for every budget, age, and style preference, making shopping a bit more effortless and fun. Happy shopping, Houston!

Ada & Edith
The Houston-based style-driven women's wear brand recently released its Fall/Winter 2024 collection featuring eight highly curated pieces made with beautiful fabrics and expert tailoring. The new online collection features dresses, matching sets, tops, and skirts.

Beaufort Bonnet Company
The upscale children's lifestyle apparel brand recently opened its boutique in Rice Village next to White House Black Market. The brand offers everything from traditional special-occasion apparel pieces to ready-to-play wear for boys and girls (sizes infant – 14). Moms will love the great shopping while kids will have fun at the store's play area.

Foreign Fare
Holiday jet setters will be thrilled to give or get Houston-based travel brand Foreign Fare's travel clothing. The bestsellers, the Jetsetter jacket and Wrap Me Up Dress, are a modern take on travel apparel and made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics that effortlessly go from day to night. They feature travel-ready amenities, including hidden pockets and adjustable waistbands.

From Marfa
Tanglewood's favorite children's apparel store offers the cutest holiday must-haves for babies to teens and complimentary gift wrapping that will save time during this busy season. Shoppers can snag holiday and winter finds from brands including Little English, Luigi Kids, Pink Chicken, Katie J NYC, and more. The boutique also offers toys, books, and accessories that make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

Kimono Zulu
Houston-based brand Kimono Zulu offers one-of-a-kind vintage kimonos that make a unique and memorable holiday gift. Each kimono provides a piece of Japan's craftsmanship and artistry and is a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. The brand's kimonos are available at its Upper Kirby boutique or online.

Krewe
Krewe, an independent eyewear brand founded in New Orleans, is opening its first permanent location in Houston in Rice Village. Nnown for its high-quality, small-batch, handcrafted frames, Krewe combines the style and culture of the Big Easy with a modern and iconic style. Krewe's new outpost is located at 5515 Kelvin Dr. #125 and opens on December 7.

Lafayette 148
Lafayette 148 has partnered with Save Venice, a leading American non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the artistic heritage of Venice, Italy. The partnership inspired a capsule collection, available at the brand's outpost in the Galleria, featuring dresses, tops, skirts, and accessories. The capsule collection's sales will be donated to Save Venice's "Women Artists of Venice" program through the end of 2024.

Léránt
This Galleria neighborhood boutique makes being the "hostess with the mostess" easy, especially during the holiday season with elegant finds at every price point. Shoppers will find everything from tableware and crystal to gifts and festive holiday decor. Customers can shop with 15 percent off their purchases on December 4 from 4-7 pm.

Lucchese Bootmaker
Lucchese has launched a new gemstone line just in time for the holiday season. The latest offering includes the Gemstone Suede Boot Collection featuring the famous Priscilla classic style, which now comes in new rich suede colorways for the holiday season. The Gemstone Python Boot Collection includes six distinctive styles with rich, new colorways — Emerald, Amber, and Garnet — in two silhouettes: the Presley Exotic and the Dale Exotic. The Gemstone Python Clutch and Belt pay homage to 140 years of Lucchese and are handmade from rich tones of python leather.

M Penner
Named "One of the top men's specialty stores in the U.S." by Esquire Magazine, M Penner is celebrating 50 years in business — a massive feat in Houston's finicky fashion scene. In addition to custom fittings, perfect for holiday parties, customers can shop elevated brands, including Brunello Cucinelli, Zenga, Canali, Isaia, AG Jeans, Carrot & Gibbs, Davek, Paul Smith, and more.

Purple
Co-founded by Houston native Luke Crosby, Purple recently opened its first Texas location in the Galleria. Alreday a top-selling denim brand at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, Purple is known for its luxury denim and curated apparel worn by celebrities including Justin Bieber, Michael B. Jordan, Jimmy Butler, and Houston's own Bun B.

Zadok Jewelers
Post Oak hotspot Zadok Jewelers is ready for the "most wonderful gifts of the year" as they gear up for the holiday season with a schedule full of shopping events. Guests can pursue the massive jewelry store during its extended holiday hours while shopping exclusive pieces from The Vault or the Vintage & High Jewelry Collection. Zadok will also host designer trunk shows and its annual Ultimate Watch Event featuring new releases from 25 leading watchmakers.

Photo by Marco Torres

Bun B and PURPLE co-founder Luke Cosby at Purple's new Galleria outpost.

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