Weeks after his appointment as the creative director of Russian fragrance L'Etoile last month, John Galliano is opening up once more about the past and his struggle to make amends following his anti-semitic outburst in Paris.

Galliano sat down with renowned French psychiatrist Boris Cyrulnik in an interview for French newspaper Le Point, telling Cyrulnik that he is "learning to change perspective, to assume my responsibilities," as he recovers from his past drug addictions. He explained that his rant in 2011, which was captured on camera and subsequently went viral, was the result of a "defence mechanism".

"What I did will not fade away, but I regret it," he adds.

When asked by Cyrulnik if he thought that people had been too harsh on him – the outburst cost him his top job at Dior – Galliano turned contemplative. "I’ve lost, but I also gained a lot. I’m a creative person, and no one can take that away from me. I’ve been told I committed professional suicide because it was the only escape from the terrible pressures I was facing. What do you think?"

While Cyrulnik didn't have an answer, it's testament to Galliano's confidence in his recovery that he believes that the best is yet to come in his career. "I have not done my best collection," he concludes. "The new Galliano will be bigger and stronger."

Galliano's appointment at L'Etoile might be the first step, but fashion houses are still proving circumspect about the prospect of hiring the formerly disgraced designer. In April, a source from Oscar de la Renta waved off rumours that Galliano might be joining the label as the new creative director. What's next for John?