The 2027 Met Gala is already drawing backlash after organizers announced a major exhibition honoring designer John Galliano. Revealed on July 31 by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vogue, the show will spotlight Galliano’s work despite his controversial past, including anti-Semitic remarks that led to his 2011 conviction and dismissal from Dior.
According to The New York Times, Anna Wintour met with influential rabbis and Jewish leaders in New York, with Galliano and Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton also present.
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism in North America, told the outlet he believed in the designer’s remorse, saying, “He was open. He looked right at us and spoke in a clear way,” while acknowledging concerns about backlash.
Rabbi Joshua Davidson, leader of Temple Emanu-El, which is near the Met, also told The New York Times the exhibit could be “powerful, poignant and productive” if it addresses anti-Semitism, but warned it may be “problematic,” adding that “people may very likely be upset by it. I can understand those feelings.”
The debate comes as Galliano continues his career comeback after years away from the spotlight, with supporters arguing his legacy extends beyond past actions. Still, critics say honoring him now may send the wrong message amid rising concerns about hate crimes. The exhibition is set to open for the public to view from May 9, 2027, to January 9, 2028, ahead of the annual gala.
Unquestionably, the Met Gala is the most talked fashion event of the year, thanks to its elaborate themes and bold dress codes. From daring outfits to unforgettable statements, stars continue to push boundaries. Click through to revisit some of the strangest looks over the years.