Galliano 'racist remarks' overshadow Dior show

Dior staff took to the catwalk at the end of the show, in place of the designer

Fashion house Christian Dior has unveiled its latest collection in Paris in an event overshadowed by an uproar over its former designer John Galliano.

The British designer was sacked by Dior after allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks in Paris last week.

Dior chief executive Sidney Toledano made a statement on the catwalk saying the situation was "deeply painful".

Mr Galliano has apologised for his behaviour, but French prosecutors say he will stand trial.

John Galliano worked for Dior for 15 years

The highly anticipated autumn-winter 2011-12 show took place in the gardens of the Rodin Museum during Paris Fashion Week.

In a statement made before the models took to the catwalk, Mr Toledano said it was "deeply painful to see the Dior name associated with the disgraceful statements attributed to its designer".

When the show ended - and when Mr Galliano would normally emerge wearing an outrageous outfit - a group of Dior workers appeared on the catwalk dressed in white laboratory coats. They received a standing ovation.

Correspondents say security was unusually high for the event.

A supporter of Mr Galliano outside the venue held a banner reading: "The King is gone."

"I am here for like what he does, what he did for the fashion and not for what he's speaking," he said.

Police in Paris briefly detained Mr Galliano last week after a couple in a bar accused him of making anti-Semitic remarks. He also allegedly traded slaps with them.

Footage later emerged of a separate incident in which he was shown telling two women in a cafe: "I love Hitler."

Mr Galliano later apologised "unreservedly" for his behaviour and said racism "has no part in our society".

"I completely deny the claims made against me and have fully co-operated with the police," Galliano added.