Olivier Rousteing, the creative director of Balmain, has announced his departure from the iconic French fashion house after 14 years at the helm. During his tenure, the brand gained legendary muses—including Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé—and entered a new era of high-profile collaborations.
Rousteing, who became the youngest creative director in Paris since Yves Saint Laurent and the first Black designer to lead all divisions of the French brand, reflected on his legacy in an interview with Vogue:
"I am proud of everything we achieved and endlessly grateful to my incredible team at Balmain—my chosen family, in a place that has been my home for the past 14 years. Thank you to Mr. Rashid Mohamed Rashid and Matteo Sgarbossa for believing in me and giving me this unique opportunity. I will always hold this time close to my heart."
Before taking the reins at Balmain, Rousteing studied at the École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode in Paris and worked at Roberto Cavalli, overseeing the women’s line. He honed his talents under the mentorship of Balmain’s previous creative director, Christophe Decarnin.
In 2011, at just 24 years old, Rousteing was appointed creative director. Under his leadership, Balmain experienced a renaissance: in addition to high-profile muses like Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé, the brand achieved global success with viral collaborations, including the 2015 H&M capsule collection. Rousteing’s final show, held in October 2025, marked the house’s 80th anniversary.
With Rousteing’s departure, Balmain closes one of the most notable chapters in its modern history—forever linked with global stars and revolutionary fashion shows.
Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
18:15, August 29
“I Don’t Miss Them”: Michelle Obama’s Candid Admission About Her Daughters Divides the Internet17:26, August 29
Epstein, Rape and Scandals: Norway’s New King Takes the Crown Beside a Wife Tainted by Controversy16:36, August 29
Billionaire Who Bought a Banana for $6.2 Million Sues Ex-Girlfriend Over $4.5 Million Bride Price15:28, August 29
“Who the Hell Needs a Rolex?”: The Late Billionaire Charlie Munger’s Biggest Piece of Advice to Young People14:28, August 29
Cardi B Covers Vogue Arabia in a Gown by Lebanese-Armenian Designer Krikor Jabotian13:33, August 29
Historic Victory at Miss USA 2026: Mother of Two Becomes First Winner Over 3012:22, August 29
$1.2 Million for a Piece of History: Joe DiMaggio’s Famous Patek Philippe Hits the Market12:18, August 29
George and Amal Clooney: Romantic Date on Lake Como in Elegant All-White Looks11:19, August 29
Billionaire secretly helps Harry and Meghan return to Britain — and his family’s tragic deaths may explain why10:30, August 29
Bianca Censori shows Kanye West’s “severed head” on a tray23:01, August 28
Beyond Time and Eras: The $500,000-Plus Watch Designed to Keep Time for 1,000 Years22:20, August 28
Master Manipulators: Why Society Is So Vulnerable to Hidden Psychopaths