John Galliano To Return To The Fashion Industry

John Galliano is making a tentative foray back into the fashion industry just two years after he was fired from Christian Dior as well as his own label for making anti-Semitic remarks.

The fashion designer has reportedly been working alongside Oscar de la Renta in the lead-up to fashion week in a move industry insiders believe could be the start of his comeback.

RELATED: John Galliano Blames Addiction For Anti-Semitic Slur

“It may well be the poshest and most high-profile work experience placement of all time,” commented the Guardian UK, “but few truly thought he would be gone (from the fashion world) forever.”

De la Renta, who has been friends with Galliano for years, says he believes the designer is truly sorry for his racial tirade.

“He has worked long and hard on his recovery and I am happy to give him the opportunity to reimmerse himself in the world of fashion and reacclimate in an environment where he has been so creative,” said de la Renta. “Everyone in life deserves a second chance, especially someone as talented as John. I think that life is about forgiving and helping people...I think John is doing all the right things.”

In turn, Galliano said he was “grateful beyond words” for de la Renta’s support, adding, “(Oscar’s) faith in me is humbling.”

Following his February 2011 rant in Paris, Galliano faced a maximum of six months in jail on charges of “public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity,” but escaped with fines of 6,000 euros as well as “symbolic damages and costs to each of his victims and to five anti-racism groups who were also complainants.”

A self-confessed alcoholic, Galliano re-iterated his apology to the press recently for his past comments, saying, “I am an alcoholic. I have been in recovery for the past two years.... Several years prior to my sobriety, I descended into the madness of the disease. I said and did things which hurt others, especially members of the Jewish community. I have expressed my sorrow privately and publicly for the pain which I caused, and I continue to do so.”

Surprisingly, Galliano has also been working closely with the Anti-Defamation League, who openly expressed their outrage over his comments two years ago.

“Along his journey to recovery he met with us on numerous occasions,” explained Abraham H. Foxman, ADL's national director. “He has accepted full responsibility for his previous remarks and understands that hurtful comments have no place in our society. We’re looking forward to working with him again in the near future as a spokesman against anti-Semitism, intolerance and bigotry.”

While industry reaction to the designer’s return is mixed, most believe Galliano has reformed.

RELATED: Kate Moss Gets Married In John Galliano

“To freeze him out of his industry forever when he has expressed so much contrition would be unjust – especially when criticising him for his own intolerant remarks,” said the Guardian. “It's time to, if not welcome him back, at least accept him back.”

Do you believe Galliano should be welcomed back to the industry? Tell us what you think at marie claire’s Facebook page.