After weeks of rumors and speculation, it’s been announced: John Galliano is returning to fashion to assume the creative direction of Maison Martin Margiela. Renzo Rosso, president of Margiela’s parent company, OTB stated;

“I couldn’t be happier. For the Maison Margiela, which deserves a new visionary leader and for John Galliano, who is a talent beyond definition and time… I always believed in brave, unpredictable choices, and this one is no exception.”

Given the HUGE controversy surrounding Galliano’s anti-semitic remarks, subsequent exile and public atonement, the announcement will no doubt cause a host of reactions. Kanye has already Tweeted his “first-name-only” opinion on the subject:

“It is very exciting to see what powerful creatives do at different houses… Hedi at Saint Laurent, Nicolas at Vuitton, and now John at Margiela.”

Margiela was a much different designer but both he and Galiano share an irreverence and innovation in their heyday, the 90s. It’ll be interesting to see what course he now charts for the house and for his latest chapter. His new look, shown here, seems to say; “I’ve cleaned up my act.” and his choice of pet I believe I agree with wholeheartedly, anyway. Looks like he and I share a love for the Brussels Griffon!

(Photo, Patrick Demarchelier; via Style.com)