Olivier Rousteing Is Leaving Balmain
After 14 years as creative director, the designer leaves behind a legacy of glamour, innovation and impact.
The fashion world was greeted with yet another surprise today when Balmain announced that Olivier Rousteing is parting ways with the brand after 14 years as creative director of the iconic French fashion house. The news, released on Wednesday morning, marks the end of one of the longest—and most defining—creative partnerships in contemporary fashion.
Rousteing joined Balmain in 2009 under Christophe Decarnin and was promoted to creative director two years later at just 25 years old. His landmark 2011 appointment broke barriers; Rousteing became the youngest designer to lead a major Paris fashion house since Yves Saint Laurent. He also became the first Black creative director of a French maison.
Under Rousteing’s direction, Balmain transformed from a storied heritage brand into a true cultural phenomenon beloved by a new generation. His signature aesthetic—sculptural shoulders, gilded embroidery and daring silhouettes—was a hit among A-listers worldwide, shaping a new era of celebrity-driven luxury. This led to the introduction of the “Balmain Army,” featuring stars like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Gigi Hadid and Kim Kardashian.
Rousteing also revived the brand’s long-dormant haute couture line, oversaw famed collaborations with H&M and Estée Lauder and pioneered new ways for luxury fashion houses to connect with modern audiences by expanding Balmain’s digital footprint through early social media innovation and immersive experiences.
“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 shared by the brand. “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.”
Although it’s unclear what both Balmain and Rousteing’s next moves will be, a new era of reinvention is undoubtedly on the horizon—and our eyes are peeled.
Scroll below to revisit some of Rousteing’s most iconic moments with Balmain.
Photography via Getty Images
Rousteing at Balmain’s Spring 2013 show during Paris Fashion Week
Stephanie Davoli is the editorial assistant at FASHION Magazine. With a passion for all things fashion, beauty and pop culture, she’s inspired by fashion psychology, sustainability and industry innovations. Her previous bylines include The Toronto Star, Chatelaine and The Quality Edit. When she’s not working, you can find her shopping, taking a Pilates class or combing through the Vogue archives.
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