the suspension comes just a week before diors

Dior suspends Galliano over

AP Known for his wildly inventive designs, John Galliano struts out in an outrageous costume at the end of each runway show. That might not happen at Paris Fashion Week the house of Dior has suspended Galliano as its creative director after he was accused of hurling an anti Semitic insult during an alcohol fueled spat at a Paris bar.

fake designer bags The designer vigorously denied wrongdoing Friday and said the move was totally disproportionate.'' The suspension comes just a week before Dior's fall winter 2011 2012 ready to wear show on Fake Louis Vuitton Replica Bags the catwalks of Paris.

In a terse replica designer handbags statement, Christian Dior SA said the suspension would remain in effect pending an investigation into the altercation Thursday night at La Perle, a trendy eatery in Paris' Marais district.

Paris prosecutors said the British designer was questioned by police and released after a couple accused him of hurling an anti Semitic slur at them. A police official said the designer also exchanged slaps with the couple.

The prosecutors and police, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing, say Galliano's blood alcohol levels were excessive.

Fallout was swift.

Just hours after news of Galliano's brief detention hit French websites, Dior CEO Sidney Toledano announced the suspension, saying: The House of Dior confirms, with the greatest firmness, its policy of zero tolerance for any anti Semitic or racist comments.''

Galliano's lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, said the Gibraltar born designer was totally surprised'' by the suspension.

He never made an anti Semitic remark in more than 10 replica louis vuitton years at Dior,'' Zerbib told The Associated Press in a telephone replica louis vuitton bags from china interview. He was insulted, and he responded to the insults.''

Under French law, making anti Semitic remarks can be punishable by up to six months in prison. Public figures in France have been convicted for anti Semitic remarks in the past, but are usually given only suspended sentences.

Asked about the allegations, Donatella Versace told Italian reporters before her show in Milan that the Galliano she knows isn't like that.''

Racism is horrible aaa replica designer handbags and I condemn it, but I don't think Galliano was thinking about it,'' Versace was quoted as saying by the Italian news agency ANSA. He is a good person, and very serious. He is a great creator who has given a lot and has a lot more to give, but that does not justify any type of racism.''

Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant designers of his generation, Galliano has long seemed like something of a sacred cow in an industry where turnover tends to be quick and designer hirings and firings happen in the blink of an eye.

Since his appointment in 1996, Galliano has made an indelible mark on the storied House of Dior. At times his clothes have been confounding.

The suspension throws Dior's immediate future into question. The label fields its fall winter 2011 2012 ready to wear collection on March 4, in the middle of Paris Fashion Week. Galliano shows his own signature label on March 6.

Always theatrical and sometimes outrageous, Galliano's star studded runway shows are big budget blockbusters and among the most anticipated displays on the Paris calendar.

It was not immediately clear whether the Dior show would or could goon without Galliano, but it was hard fake louis bag to imagine the label missing the crucial twice yearly rendezvous to present its next collection to thousands of fashion editors, journalists cheap louis vuitton bags from china and buyers.

Still, rumors have swirled that the Dior management has been angling to terminate Galliano's contract and some fashion insiders suggested this presented a golden opportunity for the label to cheap replica handbags get rid of the designer.

Asked whether she thought Galliano would brave the current controversy and be back at Dior, Thomas said: No.''

Jessica Michault, a fashion critic for the International Herald Tribune, noted that the brand is stronger than one designer,'' predicting that whatever happens with Galliano, Dior will remain a luxury powerhouse.

The house is a very strong image, very iconic, and was even before John got there. He created a very romantic image for the house, something that makes people dream. But he's cheap louis vuitton bags from china uk not the whole history of Dior,'' she said.

Galliano attorney Zerbib suggested Dior's quick response was an effort by parent high quality replica handbags china company LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton to pay penance for its slow reaction to accusations of racism involving another subsidiary, perfume company Guerlain.

Two anti racism groups filed legal complaints against Jean Paul Guerlain over comments he made in a television interview late last year. Guerlain is no longer an employee of the company, but remains a consultant and heir to replica louis vuitton handbags the perfume maker.

Galliano would have preferred that LVMH responded to Mr. Guerlain in the same manner,'' Zerbib said.

Galliano, 50, was born in Gibraltar and grew up in London, where he graduated from St. Martins School of Art in 1984.

He moved his design studio to Paris in the early 1990s. He joined Givenchy in 1995 and came to Dior in late 1996. His first design for the house was worn by Princess Diana.

Under his tenure, Dior has attracted many A list fans, from Kate Moss, whose wedding dress he designed, to actresses Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron and Marion Cotillard. French first lady Carla Bruni Sarkozy a former supermodel and friend of Galliano is rarely seen in anything but Dior for official functions.