Olivier Rousteing exits Balmain 14 years after stepping down as creative director, closing a chapter marked by creative audacity and strong growth that was among the longest creative tenures in fashion . 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 stated . In 2011, Rousteing made history when he was named creative director at age 25, becoming the first Black womenswear designer at the helm of a French fashion house .
Olivier Rousteing exits Balmain 14 years came after he shaped a transformative chapter, catapulting the brand to new heights of cultural relevance, heat, currency and sales . Over his tenure, Rousteing increased annual revenue tenfold, from €30.4 million in 2012 to an estimated €300 million last year according to Vogue . His 2015 high-low hookup with H&M had a 99 percent sell-through which the designer considered a career highlight .
Olivier Rousteing exits Balmain 14 years leaves behind the Balmain Army he cultivated. He leveraged what he called the Balmain Army, a loyal circle of models and stars including Rihanna, Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian which embodied the glamour and visibility he championed . A pioneer in embracing social media, the designer with 9.7 million Instagram followers opened shows to the public and embraced technologies like NFTs.
Olivier Rousteing exits Balmain 14 years after overcoming personal challenges including a 2021 home accident leaving him severely burned. Rachid Mohamed Rachid stated 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 . A new creative organization for Balmain will be announced in due course
