Olivier Rousteing Departs Balmain
After fourteen years leading Balmain as creative director, Olivier Rousteing is stepping down, according to an announcement from the French fashion house. The decision was described as mutual between Balmain and Rousteing.
“The House of Balmain wishes to express its deep gratitude to Olivier Rousteing for his remarkable contribution to the history of the Maison,”
The company added that a new creative structure will be revealed soon.
A Young Visionary
Appointed in 2011 at only twenty-four, Rousteing became the youngest creative director in Paris since Yves Saint Laurent and the first Black creative leader of a major European fashion house. His influence transformed Balmain’s aesthetic and global standing.
“Rousteing’s contribution and passion over the past years will leave an indelible mark in the history of fashion,”
stated Balmain chief executive Matteo Sgarbossa.
Redefining Balmain’s Identity
Throughout the past decade, Rousteing reimagined Balmain with his powerful, military-inspired designs and introduced the concept of the “Balmain Army,” bringing together a group of celebrity ambassadors such as Kim Kardashian West, Gigi Hadid, and Kendall Jenner.
He also pioneered Balmain’s digital presence, launching one of the earliest branded Snapchat filters, a dedicated mobile app, and partnering with Instagram for shopping experiences in 2019. Beyond digital innovation, Rousteing revitalized Balmain’s haute couture line after a sixteen-year pause and expanded its cultural footprint through collaborations with L’Oréal Paris and by designing Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella costumes.
Looking Ahead
As Balmain enters a new chapter, the fashion industry awaits details on the next phase of creative leadership at the iconic Parisian house.
Author’s summary: Olivier Rousteing leaves Balmain after a transformative 14-year era defined by youthful innovation, inclusivity, and digital-forward reinvention of the brand’s identity.