Christian Dior's John Galliano Honored By French Government

January 7, 2009 6:48 a.m. EST

Paris, France (CNS) - Designer John Galliano, creative director of Christian Dior, has been appointed a chevalier of the Legion of Honour, in the French New Year's Honours list. The designer's name appeared on the list of beneficiaries of France's highest award published by France's government on Jan. 1.

Galliano, who also has a line in his own name, joins the ranks of other fashion notables including Yves Saint Laurent, Sonia Rykiel, and Azzedine Alaia. The order, divided into five categories, is the highest decoration one can receive in France.

The Legion is an order originally established by Napoleon honoring influential members of French society. The President of the French Republic (currently Nicolas Sarkozy) is the Grand Master of the Order and appoints all other members.

As a 'chevalier', or knight, of the Legion of Honour, the Paris-based designer will receive a badge on a red ribbon, to be worn on the left side of the chest. He is already a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).

Most recently Giorgio Armani was awarded this honor after becoming an officer of the French Legion of Honour back in July 2007.