Balmain announced that its creative director, Olivier Rousteing, would be leaving the Parisian fashion house that he has held since April 2011.

Born in 1985, Rousteing joined Balmain in 2009 as head of the women’s wear design studio under creative director Christophe Decarnin. Two years later, after Decarnin's departure in April 2011, Rousteing took over at the helm of the maison at just 25 years old. His success started during Paris Fashion Week with the spring-summer 2012 collection. “His vision and creative genius propelled Balmain to unprecedented heights,” the house said in a release. In 2022, Rousteing was chosen as a guest designer for Jean-Paul Gaultier's house.

"I am deeply proud of everything I have accomplished, and infinitely grateful to my exceptional team at Balmain, my chosen family, in a place that has been my home for the past 14 years. I thank Mr. Rachid and Matteo for their unwavering trust and for offering me this extraordinary opportunity. As I look ahead to the future and the next chapter of my creative journey, I will always cherish this special time,” said Rousteing.

Balmain did not unveil the name of a successor to Rousteing, but said that a “new creative organization of the house will be announced at a needed moment.”

"I extend my sincere thanks to Olivier Rousteing for his extraordinary contribution to Balmain. His visionary leadership has not only redefined the boundaries of fashion, but has also inspired an entire generation with his bold creativity, unwavering authenticity, and commitment to inclusivity. We are immensely proud of everything that has been achieved under his leadership and look forward to the next chapter of his journey, which he will pursue with the same passion and excellence," commented Mr. Rachid Mohamed Rachid, ceo of Mayhoola and chairman of Balmain.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to Olivier for writing such an important chapter in the history of the House. His contribution and passion over the years will leave an indelible mark on the history of fashion,” added ceo Matteo Sgarbossa.

The house of Balmain was founded in 1945 by Pierre Balmain, presenting an audacious and distinctive collection characterized by an extraordinarily fresh and feminine vision, one that was hailed as a “New French Style”. Pierre Balmain would be among the handful of daring designers responsible for France’s historic post-war fashion renaissance. Since 2016, Balmain has been controlled by Mayhoola For Investments LLC.