Alan Ilagan

I didn’t get to see her acceptance speech for Best Song (“Masterpiece”), but I did hear that several people thought she was narcissistic and arrogant. Well, duh. It’s Madonna, and she’s entitled. And as Matthew Rettennmund rightfully points out, she never wins anything, so I’m forgiving most of what she may have said.

Let’s talk, instead, about the dress. While I think it’s lovely enough, it feels like she settled for an in-between version of a full-blown ball gown (which I would have loved) and something far simpler. The diamonds do brighten it all up, though I have mixed feelings about the cross. Still, the whole effect is passably pretty, but once again I yearn, perhaps unfairly, for something more.

I like when she goes daring and edgy (as in her dramatic canary Olivier Theyskens gown, woefully under-appreciated at the 1998 VH-1 Fashion Awards, her brilliant bunny-eared Louis Vuitton ensemble at the 2009 Met Gala, or the glorious John Galliano get-up of the Evita premiere in 1996 – my favorite red-carpet look of all-time), and this one seemed to play it just a little safe – albeit in a gorgeous way

It’s a nice soft set-up for what she’s going to wear for her next high-profile appearances: the Superbowl and the Oscars (assuming she attends the latter). I hope she removes the half-gloves before they become a sad trademark, or opts for a full-length formal version a la the Golden Globes of 1996, or the bombshell Marilyn Monroe-homage at the Oscars in 1991. Love it or hate it, the world is once again talking about Madonna. She wins.

Here’s the dilemma: can you love the brilliance and genius of a man who may be a bigot? Throughout history we’ve had heroes who have been racists, anti-semites, and homophobes – and somehow we have managed to love them for their sheer talent, as if their greatness in some areas was enough to overlook their moral lacking in others. Such is the question I had when John Galliano’s recent vile words of anti-semitism in a drunken fit ended in his being dismissed from Dior. Prior to this, he was my absolute favorite fashion designer – his couture work was the stuff of high beauty – each piece a work of art. It was strange for me to be so enamored of him, as he mostly designed for women. The only things I have by him are a few pairs of underwear.

When word came out of what he had said, and then the damning video as proof, my heart sank in disappointment. How do you reconcile that behavior with such exquisite creations? Personally, I’m not sure I can. While I will always appreciate the beauty and artistry of his work, I don’t think I will ever be able to purchase any of his garments. Because there is no excuse for bigotry or intolerance. Some have said he was drunk or high, and otherwise would have never said those things. But I have been drunk many times, and on many levels, and no matter how drunk I get I don’t say things like “I love Hitler” or similar hate-filled garbage. His words came from somewhere, and I cannot bring myself to support that in any way. Which brings me to the real dilemma: what to do with the three pairs of Galliano underwear that I currently own?

I originally thought of putting them up on Ebay and pocketing whatever they brought in (assuming that his stuff is even sellable at this point). Then I thought that seemed rather selfish, and lacking in any sort of karmic retribution. Now I’m thinking of fielding offers for them and donating whatever they fetch to my alma mater, Brandeis University, which is predominantly a Jewish school (I may have been one of the three Catholics in my graduating class). It’s their annual alumni drive and given my own financially-burdensome condition I could not donate earlier in the year – this would make up for that.

I still haven’t decided – and chances are I’ll simply use them for some photo shoot statement down the line. After all, the odds of anyone wanting a pair of previously-worn underwear, Galliano or not, are probably pretty slim. But for those kinky perverts out there, send me an offer and we’ll talk. (Price goes up if you want them unwashed… There’s nothing sacred about these skivvies.)

First, the nightmare:

And then the dream:

The other evening I ordered about ninety bucks of underwear by John Galliano. I don’t have ninety bucks for food, but sometimes you have to prioritize, and there was a sale on the two pieces I got. (Yes, two for ninety bucks – but that included two-day shipping, and there was no other shipping option.) And really, can you put a price tag or value on happiness?

(By the way, the photo above does not depict the model of underwear I got – those are way too simple.)

John Galliano is not a designer for everybody, but he’s been a favorite of mine ever since I can remember. His Fall 2010 Menswear Collection did not disappoint.

These photos (courtesy of GQ) are proof that Galliano can also make practical clothing that is still exquisitely gorgeous and classical, while not at all typical.

My favorite pieces have always been his coats. They have such an elegant line, tinged with the romantic, and a heady dash of dandy.

While I favor his coats, they are far beyond my means (even when on sale at Century 21). The only item of Galliano I own is a garish pair of pink underwear that is now too small for me to comfortably squeeze into.

But a guy can dream, and this guy is dreaming of the kind of sartorial silk splendor you see above (minus the ponytail). I’d give up all of my unborn children for a piece like that.