Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing has announced the end of his 14-year creative journey with the brand, a news that has sparked widespread attention in the global fashion community. Taking the helm at just 24 years old in 2011, he became the youngest leader in the brand’s history. Rousteing not only rewrote the brand’s narrative but also shattered industry boundaries, becoming the first Black designer to fully oversee all design departments of a French fashion house, marking a significant moment in the industry.
Rousteing’s tenure witnessed Balmain transforming from a traditional haute couture house into a trend-setting international brand. He masterfully blends music, pop culture, and social media strategies, enhancing the brand’s image with a vibrant and contemporary feel. Drawing inspiration from A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé, he has created a series of striking designs characterized by sharp cuts and strong silhouettes, making Balmain a staple on the red carpet and a beloved name in the fashion world.
In 2015, he led the collaboration between Balmain and H&M, which captivated fashion enthusiasts worldwide on launch day and marked a significant milestone for the brand. He’s not only known for his design skills but also for his savvy use of social media to cultivate the brand’s image, with his personal Instagram account becoming a key channel for brand promotion.
In his resignation statement, Rousteing described the Balmain team as his Chosen Family, and especially thanked Group Chairman Rachid Mohamed Rachid and CEO Matteo Sgarbossa. The statement was initially released by Vogue, who mentioned that the past 14 years have been the most extraordinary creative period of his life, and expressed deep respect for the brand’s past, present, and future.
Before joining Balmain, Rousteing studied fashion design at the Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode in Paris. He worked as the head of the women’s department at Roberto Cavalli and was also under the guidance of Christophe Decarnin, the creative director of Balmain at the time. This experience laid the foundation for his future creations.
Matteo Sgarbossa, the current CEO of Balmain, stated that Rousteing’s contributions to the brand will leave a lasting mark in the annals of fashion history, adding a vibrant chapter to its legacy. The brand has also confirmed that Rousteing will participate in the 80th anniversary fashion show this October, marking the final chapter of his collaboration with Balmain.
As for who will succeed the creative director position, the brand has yet to reveal a specific candidate. The fashion world is currently abuzz with speculation about whether Rousteing will launch his own brand next or move on to another international fashion house. However, one thing is for sure: the iconic style and diverse perspectives he established at Balmain will continue to influence the entire fashion industry.
