Maison Martin Margiela has just announced John Galliano as the house’s new creative director. Galliano was fired from his post at Dior after making drunken, anti-Semitic comments. He was again accused of anti-Semitism in February 2013 after appearing in public in what non-fashion observers interpreted as a take on Hasidic Jewish clothing. (His black hat, curly hair and long coat were perfectly consistent with his own well-documented personal style.) The announcement marks the designer’s return to the fashion industry, and within a highly respected, innovative house, owned by the progressive OTB Group. It’s an unusual match considering the former anonymity of MMM’s lead designers, but the proof will be in his collections – the first expected for Paris Couture Week in January 2015.

"John Galliano is one of the greatest, undisputed talents of all time,” said OTB head Renzo Rosso, “a unique, exceptional couturier for a maison that always challenged and innovated the world of fashion. I look forward to his return to create that fashion dream that only he can create, and wish him to here find his new home."