Image courtesy of fashionista.com
After 14 years at the helm of French luxury brand Balmain, Olivier Rousteing is stepping down. This announcement came out today, November 5.
“Today marks the end of my Balmain era,” Rousteing, 40, wrote on Instagram. “What an extraordinary story it has been—a love story, a life story … I will always hold this treasured time close to my heart.” “Throughout his remarkable 14-year tenure, Olivier’s visionary approach and creative brilliance propelled Balmain to unprecedented heights,” the label said.
Rousteing took over the helm of Balmain at the age of 25, and now at only the age of 40, much lies ahead. Rousteing revived the once-sleepy luxury fashion, making it once again a force in the fashion industry. He accomplished this feat by bringing unparalleled craftsmanship and a modern approach to fashion.
Under his helm, Rousteing established a Balmain community, called the “Balmain Army”—a loyal circle of models and stars including Rihanna, Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian. With his inclusive casting, under Rousteing, Balmain’s runway shows become major entertainment events.
Olivier Rousteing was born in Bordeaux, France who he later learned to Ethiopian and Somalian parents. Adopted early in his life, Rousteing moved to Paris to study at the Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode. He began his career at Roberto Cavalli in 2003, where he worked as the head of the brand’s women’s ready-to-wear collection for five years.
Image courtesy of fashionmagazine.com
Once Rousteing became the creative director of Balmain, he became the first Black fashion designer to helm an iconic luxury fashion house. During his tenure, Balmain injected African themes and culture into his collections. He increased Balmain’s revenue from €30.4 million in 2012 to an estimated €300 million last year.
“Like every story, this one also has an ending,” Rousteing wrote on Instagram Wednesday. He thanked his team and colleagues, but did not say what his next step will be.
—William S. Gooch
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