Amal Clooney Does Have a Stylist & He’s John Galliano’s Partner
Earlier this week, Amal Clooney accompanied her husband George to the Tokyo premiere of his movie Tomorrowland. The appearance, as with nearly everything the couple does, prompted headlines—focused, as usual, on how well she wears clothes. In a gold silk bias-cut halter gown designed by John Galliano for Maison Margiela, Amal was the picture of old Hollywood glamour, perfectly befitting her status as America’s princess (and very possibly, future First Lady).
But, as undeniably beautiful as she looked, Amal’s fashion choice drew criticism from some fans, who felt it was inappropriate for her, particularly as a human rights lawyer, to work with a designer who was found guilty in 2011 of making anti-semitic remarks in France (where making racial slurs is illegal). This is the second time Amal has worn a Galliano design since he took over at Margiela and began an expertly executed comeback, dressing one A-list woman at a time. Of clients like Anna Wintour, Cate Blanchett, and Rihanna, Amal is the only one to have worn his designs twice, the first time on fashion’s most important stage, the Met Gala, earlier this month.
Whatever you think of Galliano (fashion, for one, has more or less forgiven him), Amal’s decision to work with the designer is certainly worth noting. As a Hollywood newcomer and wife of one of the country’ most beloved celebrities, Mrs. Clooney’s sartorial choices are destined for dissection. But, because of the couple’s political leanings—and Amal’s high-profile, politicized job—there’s an extra layer of scrutiny: We expect a higher degree of sensitivity and savvy from Amal, just like we do from Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton (both of whom Amal has been compared to). Fair or not, Amal is well-aware of this landscape–so why, particularly after she faced backlash for her Met Gala appearance, has she remained loyal to Galliano and Margiela? Is it the work of Galliano-cheerleader Anna Wintour, who has recently taken Amal under her wing? Or is Amal, who recently criticized Turkey’s double standard on freedom of expression, trying to send a deeper message?
John Galliano fits Mrs. Clooney before the Met ball, while Vogue’s EIC Anna Wintour looks on. Photo: @voguemagazine/Instagram
The answer, it seems, is far simpler. Contrary to what has been widely reported, Amal does work with a stylist—at least sometimes. His name is Alexis Roche, and he just happens to be Galliano’s long-term partner. None of this is a secret per se: Roche has been tweeting the looks that he styled her in (hint: every time she’s worn Margiela), and they are also included in his online portfolio. Roche is well-known within the industry for outfitting glamorous, sophisticated women like Uma Thurman and Marion Cotillard and, more recently, he’s been dipping his toes into younger territory: He recently styled Kendall Jenner in midriff baring Alaia at Cannes. So yes, Amal Clooney and Kendall Jenner do in fact have the same stylist.
Roche’s agent did not return our request for comment (Roche, like Galliano, is notoriously press-shy). But all signs point to a strengthening relationship between Amal and Margiela. When reached for comment, a Margiela press person said: “The Maison wishes not to speak on this subject just yet.” (emphasis ours). Whatever Margiela has up its sleeve (an Amal Vogue cover perhaps?)—and regardless of the motivating factors—it’s a smart association for the house to cultivate: the endorsement of a human rights lawyer (and budding style icon, to boot) is exactly what’s needed for Galliano’s already-in-full-swing comeback.