A Penitent John Galliano Talks to Charlie Rose About Childhood, Addiction and McQueen's Suicide

NEW YORK, United States — John Galliano has broken his silence for the second time since his dismissal from Dior, granting a televised interview to American talk show host and journalist Charlie Rose. In the interview Galliano says he was a "fully functioning addict."

"I was afraid to say no — that little word... I was emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally bankrupt,” he said.

"I was producing 32 collections a year, between Galliano and Dior,” he continued, referring to the intense pressures of fashion's relentless cycle. And indeed, the extreme highs and crashing lows came faster and more often with every new success, ensuring Galliano was constantly at some stage of a vicious cycle. “I would take the valium to stop the shaking so I could do the fittings, and the sleeping pills so I could sleep. My life became unmanageable.”

The designer appeared wearing a sleek ponytail and a restrained blazer and shirt. “I am trying to make amends. I have upset many people. I need to reach out them… I hope through my atonement I will be given a second chance,” said a penitent Galliano.

When asked about Alexander McQueen's suicide in 2010, Galliano said: "I understood; that loneliness, that pain."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rZtTFfFIHk

Galliano also discussed his recent work with Oscar de la Renta. "I ran to the bathroom, threw myself on my knees and said the Serenity Prayer, and I went into the workroom and introduced myself to the tailors, the seamstresses in their white coats — and then it was fine," he said. Clearly moved, Galliano went on to describe his return to fashion for the first time in two years. "It was just an amazing feeling. I thought I'd never feel it again."

Watch the full interview here.