We have to say, the only thing more shocking than the video of John Galliano's "I love Hitler" rant is the fashion world's defense of it.
We thought Natalie Portman's condemnation on Monday would be one of many: "I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano's comments that surfaced today. In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way." (Update: Daphne Guinness and former model Jamie King have both condemned the behavior as well--see below.)
Not so among his fashion colleagues, who in some cases seem upset that he made these statements, but even more upset that he was caught making these statements. (We'll allow that some of these reactions may have been delivered before the video came to light.) Is the fashion world so out of touch with reality that they'll excuse deplorable behavior by a designer just because he's talented? And eccentric? And most likely has a drinking problem? There are plenty of eccentric designers and alcoholics and eccentric designers who are also alcoholics who would not say such things. There is no excuse.
But some people in the fashion world are still making them, it seems.
(Clarification: the top five slides represent which comments readers found most indefensible.)
