Ib Kamara Exits Off-White; Met Cancels Galliano Exhibition

Ib Kamara has mutually parted ways with Off-White™, concluding his tenure as the brand's creative director. Kamara, who was a close collaborator of the late Virgil Abloh, assumed the creative leadership role in Spring 2022. Joey Gabbay, CEO of Bluestar Alliance, expressed gratitude for Kamara's contributions, stating in an official release that "Ib’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping and evolving the brand, and we sincerely thank him for his dedication and lasting impact." During his time at the helm, Kamara oversaw significant brand initiatives, including Off-White™'s inaugural fashion show in Brooklyn and the introduction of the L/AB c/o Off-White line, designed to be more accessible. The brand has not yet announced a successor for the creative director position.

In parallel, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has officially canceled its planned Spring 2026 Costume Institute exhibition, titled “John Galliano: Horizons.” This decision follows considerable public outcry stemming from racist remarks made by designer John Galliano in 2011. A joint statement from Galliano, Anna Wintour, and curator Andrew Bolton confirmed the mutual agreement to halt the exhibition. Galliano acknowledged his past actions and expressed regret, with Wintour voicing her support for the cancellation. Galliano stated, "After much reflection and discussion with The Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time." He added, "I remain ful[...]."

Beyond these major developments, the fashion landscape saw other notable events. Stone Island has enlisted cultural figures like fakemink for its latest advertising campaign. A designer based in Beijing has created a women's iteration of the Air Jordan 1 sneaker. YOSHIDA & Co. is hosting a five-day limited pop-up store for its PORTER brand in New York City. Additionally, designer Sandy Liang is celebrating a decade in the industry with the release of her new monograph, reflecting on her design journey over the past ten years. These events collectively highlight ongoing shifts and celebrations within the contemporary fashion industry, from brand leadership changes and exhibition controversies to new product designs and retrospective publications.