Top Fashion Stylists Who Battled Cocaine Addiction

Updated on February 21, 2025
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The fashion industry is second to none when it comes to glamour, creativity, and cutting-edge style. It is a dream to get recognized among the few that have gotten to the top in this industry. However, even the brightest lights often cast shadows. You only have to look well to find it. Behind the scenes of this industry is a list of top stylists who have bowed to its fast-paced, high-pressure environment and sought help in the dark path of substance usage, particularly cocaine. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss five fashionistas who fell into the slippery path of cocaine use. While some battled and overcame their addiction, others were not so fortunate. Let’s dive in!

John Galliano

If someone has seen the peak of the fashion hill, it has to be John Galliano. It is no mere feat to have been the creative director of three top fashion houses – Givenchy, Dior, and Marson Margiela, and be a four-time winner of the British Creative Designer of the Year. John Galliano did all of these and much more.

The British designer had it all working for him, or so everyone thought, until his fame became blighted by a battle with cocaine addiction that nearly destroyed his career and life. A careless substance-induced antisemitic rant before the camera, which all but ended his career, made him admit his struggles and seek help in a private rehab center similar to Harp Private Rehab. He would later bounce back after he had overcome his battles. His story is also one of recovery, redemption, and reinvention.

Kate Moss

She’s renowned as one of the most iconic models of modern times. She has also been very successful as a stylist, working with high-end brands like Calvin Klein and magazines. In 2005, pictures of her using cocaine flooded the internet, resulting in contract terminations from her major patronizers, including Chanel and Burberry.

Though the fallout was severe, Kate Moss made a remarkable comeback, both personally and professionally. She would later seek help with her addiction problems and find her way back again to the top of her game.

Jeremy Scott

Jeremy Scott was, for a long time, synonymous with Moschino. As their former creative director, he became renowned for pushing boundaries with his eccentric designs. While he’s now a fashion powerhouse, Scott openly struggled with substance abuse earlier in his career. In several interviews, Scott has mentioned the party culture that sucked him in during his rise in the fashion world. Cocaine became part of the scene, and it wasn’t easy to escape.

However, Jeremy Scott eventually turned his life around, choosing sobriety over the toxic cycle that had taken hold of him. His ability to thrive after overcoming addiction has only cemented his status as one of the most influential and forward-thinking designers and stylists in the industry.

Late Alexander McQueen

The late Alexander McQueen was a revolutionary. He had a dark but artistic vision that was unique to the design world. He would find a luxury house named after him in 1992 but lost the fight against cocaine use. 

Unfortunately, unlike most on our list, McQueen struggled with addiction throughout his career. He used it as a coping mechanism with the emotional toll that comes with design work. Soon, he got into a deplorable mental health position, which resulted in his death. 

Chris McMillan

Chris Mcmillan, a renowned hair stylist famous for working with Jennifer Anniston, is another survivor of the battle with cocaine.  He believed drinking and smoking pot helped him to be more creative. In his narration, the continuous presence of prominent celebrities in Manhattan Beach, where he worked, gave him unhindered access to cocaine and other drugs. Soon, the occasional cocaine snorts became regular activities he could not let go of. 

Chris would later go for a 28-day rehab program and later suffer a relapse, going back to taking cocaine. A ten-minute high-speed chase from cops and a threat to get locked up in prison finally made him decide to go to a sobering house for a long time. Now, he is back to his best and clean.

The fashion world is undoubtedly full of pressure. However, people must appreciate themselves for their achievements and find help in more healthy things to remain motivated and emotionally fresh. Those caught in this web can always seek help from health professionals.

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.