ONE HELL OF A PARTY WITH GALLIANO AND CHARLIZE THERON
NEW YORK — Charlize Theron had a piece of advice for the young designers at Monday’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund dinner.
“Stay true to yourself,” the actress said. “As with any form of the arts, that’s the most important thing.”
Theron could have been describing her friend John Galliano, whom she later introduced on stage. He gave an inspiring and extensive speech about his career, from his childhood in Gibraltar to his work as a dresser at London’s
National Theater, studying at Central Saint Martins and, fresh out of school, landing his first retail account with Browns and his first customer in Diana Ross. Galliano recalled his struggles to build a business, and his path to designing Givenchy, and finally, Dior.
“Fashion is not a job, it is a way of life,” he told the audience. “It’s in your heart and soul, and I am lucky to do what I love all day, every day, and make a career of it.
“If you are going to do anything, do it to perfection and surround yourself with like-minded rebels. Remember, you are only as good as the team you surround yourself with,” he added.
Galliano, who got a standing ovation, wore an outfit inspired by London’s costermongers — Victorian tradespeople who covered their suits with mother-of-pearl buttons. The look had plenty of fans, including Anna Wintour. “I love it,” she said. “It’s fabulous, fun and optimistic.”
Young designers surely need a dose of optimism in this tough climate, which was part of many conversations that night.
“It must be a really hard time to be a young designer,” said Rose Byrne, who nevertheless remained full of hope for the emerging talents. “Someone told me that Gianni Versace had his biggest year after the [first] Iraq war. I thought that was an interesting point.”
Despite the financial turmoil, the night had plenty of light-hearted moments. Earlier, the cocktail reception took on a casual, intimate vibe with a lounge like atmosphere replete with a long bar and white sofa banquettes.
“It looks like a Halston party,” said CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg.
