Dynamic Duo: Alexis Roche and John Galliano

One imagines worlds; the other makes them camera-ready. Galliano and Roche - fashion’s chicest partnership, and prove genius works best in pairs

In the rarefied world of high fashion, where creative genius is often portrayed as a solitary pursuit, the most compelling stories are sometimes about partnership. For the iconic John Galliano, that constant, indispensable force has long been Alexis Roche: the strategist to the visionary, the anchor to the comet. While Galliano's name is etched in headlines, Roche's is whispered in the ateliers and front rows, a testament to a career built on exquisite taste, fierce loyalty, and a behind-the-scenes mastery that has shaped the images of fashion's most powerful houses.

From Provence to Paris: The Making of a Narrator

Born in the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence, Roche's journey began not with a sewing needle, but with the pages of art and literature. This academic foundation is key to understanding his approach; he is a narrator, a world-builder. His move to London to pursue fashion was followed by a pivotal relocation to Paris in 2003, where he was appointed brand and celebrity consultant for Dior under Galliano.

Here, Roche became the architect of the house’s VIP image, a role far more nuanced than its sounds. He was the brilliant conduit between Galliano's explosive, theatrical creations and the real world, or at least, the glamorous stratum of it. He curated the clientele, orchestrated the product placements that became objects of desire, and masterminded celebrity collaborations, ensuring the clothes were not just seen but "coveted".

His role evolved into that of a true creative partner, involved in every aspect of the brand's evolution, from the first sketch to the final catwalk stride and the high-gloss advertising campaigns that defined an era. This symbiotic relationship was starkly highlighted in 2011. When Galliano faced scandal and departed from Dior, Roche's loyalty was absolute. As reported, he too disappeared from the house, a silent but powerful statement of solidarity. In an industry often accused of fair-weather friendships, Roche's departure was a masterclass in allegiance.

But to define Roche solely by this moment would be a disservice to his own formidable acumen. Since 2011, he has flourished as a freelance fashion editor and consultant. His client list, including Longchamp and Lancôme. His ubiquitous presence at events like the Met Gala and Cannes, where he orchestrates the looks for clients like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, attest to his unparalleled taste and strategic acumen. His collaborations read like a who’s who of photography: Nick Knight, Tim Walker, Annie Leibovitz, and Steven Meisel, among others. His work, published everywhere from Vogue Paris to Vanity Fair, is defined by its intelligence and elegance.

The Margiela Reunion: A Creative Phoenix Rises

However, Roche's razor-sharp eye has found a perfect home at Maison Margiela, where he continues as Artistic Image Director in 2014. In a delightful twist of fate, this appointment coincided with Galliano's ascension to Creative Director at the house, reuniting fashion's perfect pair. At Margiela, Roche found a new canvas for his talents, working not in Galliano's shadow, but as his essential counterpart. He is the interpreter of a complex vision, the one who translates Galliano’s wildly conceptual and deeply emotional sketches into coherent, breathtaking collections that speak to the house’s avant-garde legacy.

Their most recent masterpiece, the Maison Margiela Spring Artisanal 2024 collection, also John Galliano's last collection at the fashion house as creative director, was a breathtaking summation of their symbiotic dynamic. To the haunting strains of Adele’s ‘Hometown Glory,’ they unleashed a collection of profound emotions - suppressed pain, ultimate regret, and fragile beauty. A male model in a taut corset and patent leather Tabi shoes announced a new standard of beauty, a theme meticulously researched by Galliano and flawlessly realized by Roche's guiding hand. They led the audience on a journey from one gasp-inducing surprise to the next, leaving whispers of “How crazy!” and “How great!” hanging in the air - the very best kind of compliment.

Alexis Roche is, in essence, the ultimate fashion insider. He is the discreet whisper in the ear of genius, the savvy strategist who understands that a masterpiece must also have an audience. He is Galliano’s partner in crime, yes, but also a celebrated architect of desire in his own right, proving that behind every great artist, there is often an equally great director.