Fashion designer John Galliano is to speak at the launch of a West End of London Jewish learning programme sponsored by the Chief Rabbinate.

His appearance will mark a further step in his rehabilitation within the Jewish community after he was sacked by Christian Dior four years ago for an antisemitic rant.

He will talk next month at the inaugural session of Connect, an educational partnership between three Orthodox synagogues – Central, Western Marble Arch and New West End.

The designer has become friendly with Central’s rabbi, Barry Marcus, who has helped him repair relations with the Jewish community.

Rabbi Marcus – who received an MBE earlier this year for his work in Holocaust education – said last month, “As a human being, as a Jew, as a rabbi, as a humanist, I’m almost duty-bound to open the door to somebody who wants to make amends.”

Next month’s event will be on the theme of fashion and also include talks on clothes in the Bible.

Mr Galliano’s session will be compered by JC journalist Sandy Rashty.