Dior to announce Galliano's successor imminently

Christian Dior is set to announce the name of John Galliano's successor as head designer of the French fashion house in the near future.

Christian Dior is set to announce the name of John Galliano's successor imminently.

Bill Gaytten, acting head of design for the French fashion house, explained the label has experienced a "tough period" since the former creative director was sacked earlier this year after being accused of racism and anti-Semitism.

He said: "It's been a tough period, but what can I say?

"My lips are sealed, but all will be revealed."

However, Dior's autumn/winter 2011 collection will see the label move away from the "fantasy narrative" associated with Galliano's designs, and move back to "classic", but contemporary styles and shapes.

Bill added in an interview with the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "It's definitely more about reality than fantasy. The fantasy narrative was very John.

"We've gone for classic Dior shapes, but contemporary."

Alexander Wang is now being tipped to take on the role of head designer at the company after frontrunners Haiden Ackerman, Marc Jacobs and Riccardo Tisci were recently ruled out.

A source close to LVMH, the parent company of Dior, explained: "For Dior, it's a pretty tricky situation, as the three frontrunners really can't take the job.

"Haider Ackermann is said to be 'way too edgy' for Dior; Marc Jacobs wanted the job a lot, but LVMH wants him to stick with Vuitton; and Riccardo Tisci simply refused, saying that he was feeling more than comfortable with the job at Givenchy. So nobody's taking over so far."