In a surprise exit, Olivier Rousteing has officially stepped down as Balmain’s creative director, the French fashion house confirmed on Instagram Wednesday morning.
Rousteing spent 14 years helming Balmain as the maison’s first-ever Black creative director. He assumed the top position in 2011 when he was just 25 years old, making him one of the youngest creative directors to lead a major Paris fashion house since Yves Saint Laurent.
“I am deeply proud of all that I’ve accomplished, and profoundly grateful to my exceptional team at Balmain, my chosen family, in a place that has been my home for the past 14 years,” Rousteing said in a statement.
The French designer, now 40, got his start at Roberto Cavalli, and later pivoted to Balmain as a women’s ready-to-wear designer before climbing the ranks to become its creative director. During his Balmain tenure, Rousteing increased the label’s revenues by 1,000% and masterminded major fashion moments for stars like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Tyla and Gigi Hadid, among many others.
Related: Who’s Where: Your Creative Director Cheat Sheet for 2025
“I sincerely extend my gratitude to Olivier for his extraordinary contribution to Balmain,” Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Mayhoola CEO and Balmain chairman, said in a statement. “Olivier’s visionary leadership has not only redefined the boundaries of fashion but also inspired a generation with bold creativity, unwavering authenticity and commitment to inclusivity. We are immensely proud of all that has been achieved under his direction and look forward to seeing the next chapter of his journey unfold with the same brilliance and passion.”
Rousteing’s successor has yet to be named, as Balmain said its new creative organization will be “announced in due course.” Rousteing hasn’t yet revealed his next steps either.
“My thanks go to Mr. Rachid Mohamed Rachid and Matteo Sgarbossa for their unwavering belief in me and for entrusting me with this extraordinary opportunity,” the designer continued. “As I look ahead to the future and the next chapter of my creative journey, I will always hold this treasured time close to my heart.”
Source: Fashionista.com