Photo: John Galliano

The exhibition places Gallilano as only the third living designer to receive a solo Costume Institute exhibition, following Yves Saint Laurent and Rei Kawakubo. The accompanying Met Gala, traditionally held to mark the opening of the museum’s annual fashion exhibition, will draw inspiration from Galliano’s signature design language, including his use of historical references and theatrical couture.

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Curated by Andrew Bolton, “John Galliano: Horizons” will trace the designer’s career from his 1984 Central Saint Martins graduate collection through his appointments at Givenchy and Dior before concluding with his work at Maison Margiela. The exhibition is organised into three sections: Bearings, Horizons and Atlas of Transformation. Visitors will see garments alongside sketches, toiles, research books, accessories and archival materials that offer insight into the creative process behind his collections.

Photo: John Galliano

The exhibition will examine the complexities of Galliano’s legacy. Organisers have confirmed that the show will acknowledge the events surrounding his dismissal from Dior in 2011 after antisemitic remarks, as well as the years that followed, including his return to the industry and subsequent work at Maison Margiela. According to the museum, the exhibition examines how his creative achievements and personal controversies continue to shape discussions around his work.

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As part of the curatorial process, the museum consulted with Jewish community leaders while developing the exhibition. The discussions show the institution’s effort to present Galliano’s career within a broader historical context, acknowledging both his influence on fashion and the controversy surrounding his actions.

Photo: John Galliano

The exhibition will open to the public on May 9, 2027, and run through January 9, 2028, while the 2027 Met Gala will mark the exhibition’s opening.

Birkenstocks have become a noticeable part of this season’s footwear choices, showing up across everyday outfits, from city walks to beach days. As warm weather calls for lighter, easy-to-wear pieces, many are choosing simple sandals that can be styled beyond casual outfits and Birkenstocks have become one of the go-to options.

Instead of being limited to casual wear, they are now styled with everything from denim and tailored pieces to dresses, as fashion lovers continue finding new ways to pair the sandals with different looks.

Denim

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Denim and Birkenstocks remain one of the easiest summer combinations. Whether worn with jeans or denim shorts, the sandals complement different denim silhouettes. A basic tank top, fitted shirt, or oversized white T-shirt can complete the look, creating an outfit that works for city walks, casual outings, or everyday plans.

Tailored Shorts

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Tailored shorts offer a way to style Birkenstocks beyond relaxed outfits. When paired with tailored shorts, the sandals can easily work for city walks, weekend plans, or a daytime activity. The structured shape of tailored shorts gives the outfit a cleaner look, while the simple design of Birkenstocks keeps the overall style relaxed. The look can be finished with oversized shirts and lightweight cardigans to simple tanks. It creates a balance between a more structured piece and the casual nature of the sandals.

Leggings

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Leggings are another way to style Birkenstocks. High-waisted leggings paired with a cropped top, oversized sweatshirt, or fitted jacket create a sporty-inspired look that fits into everyday street style. The contrast between the fitted leggings and the structured sandals adds more style to the outfit.

Oversized Blazers

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An oversized blazer might not be the first piece that comes to mind when styling Birkenstocks, but the combination creates an interesting contrast. The structured shape of the blazer combined with the relaxed design of the sandals makes the outfit appear stylish and put together. The look suits  casual meetings or days when you want to wear something minimal without looking underdressed.

Linen Dresses

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Pairing Birkenstocks with a linen dress creates a more unexpected combination, but it works  well especially during warmer months. The lightweight feel of linen matches the easygoing design of the sandals.

Beach Outings

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For vacation settings, Birkenstocks offer a more styled alternative to classic flip-flops. Paired with flowy dresses, linen sets, or lightweight cover-ups, they bring structure to warm-weather outfits while still fitting stylishly into beachside dressing.