Olivier Rousteing Leaves the House of Balmain
Olivier Rousteing is departing from Balmain after fourteen years of shaping the fashion house into a symbol of glamour and strength. The announcement was made on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, via Instagram.
Joining Balmain in 2011 at just 25 years old, Rousteing was the youngest creative director of a major Parisian fashion house since Yves Saint Laurent at Dior and the first Black designer to lead an iconic French fashion house.
Impact and Achievements
- Transformed Balmain into a powerhouse of bold designs featuring sculpted shoulders and precise glamour.
- Created the "Balmain Army" — a celebrated aesthetic of power and sparkle, with stars such as Rihanna and Kim Kardashian wearing couture armor.
- Elevated Balmain’s revenue tenfold, reaching nearly €300 million.
- Revived the couture segment and launched a beauty line in partnership with Estée Lauder.
- Demonstrated that elegance can coexist with boldness and diversity.
"It's curtains for one of fashion's most flamboyant duos... Balmain and Olivier Rousteing are parting ways."
At 40, Rousteing steps down, leaving a legacy defined by confidence and golden success. Balmain promises to soon announce its new creative direction.
Author’s summary: Olivier Rousteing leaves Balmain after transforming the house into a global symbol of bold glamour and success, marking the end of a vibrant era.