OLIVIER ROUSTEING ANNOUNCES HIS DEPARTURE FROM BALMAIN, CLOSING A HISTORIC CHAPTER IN FRENCH FASHION
His exit marks the end of an era for Balmain and a turning point for contemporary fashion.
French designer Olivier Rousteing will step down as creative director of Balmain after 14 years at the helm of the Parisian fashion house, the brand announced on Wednesday. His departure marks the end of one of the longest and most transformative tenures in contemporary French fashion.
Rousteing, 40, took on the role in April 2011 at just 25, becoming the youngest non-founding designer to lead a major French maison since Yves Saint Laurent at Dior. He was also the first Black designer to head a historic French couture house across all categories.
During his tenure, Balmain evolved from a niche label into one of the most recognized names in global pop culture. Its revenues grew by 1,000% in just over a decade from around €30 million in 2011 to approximately €300 million in 2024. The brand, owned by Qatari luxury group Mayhoola, expanded internationally, reintroduced haute couture in 2019, and launched a fragrance line with Estée Lauder in 2023.
In a statement, Rousteing expressed gratitude to his team and the company’s leadership. “I am deeply proud of everything I’ve achieved and infinitely grateful to my exceptional Balmain team my chosen family in a place that has been my home for the past 14 years. My thanks to Mr. Rachid Mohamed Rachid and Matteo Sgarbossa for their unwavering trust. As I look to the future and the next chapter of my creative journey, I will forever cherish this special time,” the designer said.
Balmain Chairman and Mayhoola CEO Rachid Mohamed Rachid praised Rousteing’s impact on the house. “Olivier’s visionary leadership has not only redefined the boundaries of fashion but has also inspired a generation with his bold creativity, authenticity, and commitment to inclusion,” he said. Matteo Sgarbossa, Balmain’s CEO since 2024, added that the designer’s contribution “will leave an indelible mark on fashion history.”
Rousteing became a leading voice in fashion’s digital era. With his “Balmain Army” a collective of models and celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, and Gigi Hadid he amplified the brand’s global visibility through social media, strategic collaborations, and large-scale runway events. His vision blended Pierre Balmain’s heritage with contemporary spectacle, merging haute couture with pop culture.
The designer presented his final show on October 1, 2025, at Paris’s Hôtel Intercontinental the same venue where he debuted in 2011. His departure coincides with Balmain’s 80th anniversary, at a time when the maison seeks “new creative directions” to drive its next phase of growth.
The house has not yet announced Rousteing’s successor. According to the official statement, “the new creative organization will be revealed in due course.”
Rousteing, who turned 40 in September, has not disclosed details about his next move, but he is expected to continue his fashion career with the same innovative and inclusive spirit that made him one of the most influential designers of his generation.