In an unexpected departure, Olivier Rousteing has formally resigned from his role as Balmain’s creative director, as confirmed by the French fashion house on Instagram Wednesday morning.
Rousteing dedicated 14 years to leading Balmain as the maison’s first Black creative director. He took on the prominent role in 2011 at the age of 25, thus becoming one of the youngest creative directors to manage a significant Paris fashion house since Yves Saint Laurent.
“I am immensely proud of everything I have achieved, and deeply thankful to my remarkable team at Balmain, my chosen family, in a space that has been my home for the past 14 years,” Rousteing stated.
Now 40, the French designer began his career at Roberto Cavalli, later transitioning to Balmain as a women’s ready-to-wear designer before ascending to the position of creative director. Throughout his tenure at Balmain, Rousteing boosted the label’s revenues by 1,000% and orchestrated major fashion moments for celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Tyla, and Gigi Hadid, among numerous others.
“I sincerely thank Olivier for his remarkable contributions to Balmain,” Rachid Mohamed Rachid, CEO of Mayhoola and chairman of Balmain, stated. “Olivier’s visionary leadership has not only transformed the landscape of fashion but also inspired a generation with bold creativity, steadfast authenticity, and a commitment to inclusivity. We take immense pride in all that has been accomplished under his guidance and eagerly anticipate the next phase of his journey unfolding with the same brilliance and passion.”
A successor to Rousteing has yet to be announced, as Balmain indicated that its new creative leadership will be “disclosed in due course.” Rousteing has also not shared his future plans.
“My gratitude goes to Mr. Rachid Mohamed Rachid and Matteo Sgarbossa for their constant faith in me and for giving me this remarkable opportunity,” the designer added. “As I look forward to the future and the next chapter of my creative journey, I will always cherish this invaluable time.”
