The 2027 Met Gala theme has sparked criticism following the announcement that the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute will honour fashion designer John Galliano.

The spring exhibition, titled “John Galliano: Horizons”, will focus on the designer’s career and influence.

It will be only the third Costume Institute exhibition centred on a living designer, following exhibitions dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent in 1983 and Rei Kawakubo in 2017.

Galliano, 65, has held prominent roles at Givenchy, Dior and Maison Margiela.

However, his career was severely affected by antisemitic and racist incidents, including a 2011 controversy involving remarks made at a Paris café. He was subsequently convicted of hate-related offences and fined.

During his trial, Galliano addressed his struggles with addiction, telling the court, “I have an addiction. I am currently seeking treatment.”

He later discussed the incidents in the 2024 documentary High & Low — John Galliano, saying, “It was a disgusting thing, foul thing that I did. It was just horrific.”

Galliano also said, “I can say I’m not racist, but every day you actually learn that all of us are a bit. But we just need to unlearn it and like immigrants. I am one. I was one.”

The announcement has prompted debate among fashion fans, with some questioning the decision to honour Galliano despite his history.

Defending the decision, Met trustee Anna Wintour said, “He’s a great designer and his career isn’t defined by a moment—something that he will live with for the rest of his life. The exhibition won’t shy away from any of the darkness in John’s past”.

The 2027 Met Gala is scheduled for May 3 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.