Daily Front Row

2010 March 15

Galliano on the Fringe

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John Galliano
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(NEW YORK) Donatella Versace has served as honorary chairperson of London’s Fashion Fringe for the past two years, naming young brands Jena.Theo and Eun Jeong as winners of the prestigiousa award—but today, it was announced that a new legend will take her place. John Galliano has been named the new honorary chair for the 2010 and 2011 competitions, which support emerging design talent in Britain. “I am hoping we find a rebel genius,” Galliano said in a statement. “I will look for someone who reminds me of me when I was starting out--someone original, unique, who has their own style and handwriting and isn't afraid to try something new. Fashion sometimes gets scared and plays it too safe--but I want to push boundaries."

Founded by Colin McDowell in 2004, Fashion Fringe provides studio space, a budget, and an intensive mentoring program, covering everything from PR and marketing to sales, law and finance. “When I started, all I wanted to do was create,” said Galliano. “I didn't have a clue about business, but it is so important to have good foundations in both. So many talented designers have been lost or swallowed up by corporate machines because they didn't know how to handle the business side. I learned the hard way.” Previous chairpersons for Fashion Fringe include Tom Ford and Rosemarie Bravo.