Galliano goes for the gold.

2009 is already off to a great start for designer John Galliano. The creative director of Christian Dior, who also has a line in his own name, was just awarded the French Legion of Honor, France's highest award.

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.

Galliano, best known for his theatrical designs and entertaining shows, joins the ranks of other fashion notables including Yves Saint Laurent, Sonia Rykiel, and Azzedine Alaia.

Just what does this accolade mean for Mr. Galliano? In terms of his day-to-day, not much will change, but the honor is undeniable.

And he gets to wear a nifty red ribbon on his lapel.