After 14 years, Balmain and inventive director Olivier Rousteing have mutually agreed to half methods, the French trend home introduced on Wednesday.
“The House of Balmain wishes to express its deep gratitude to Olivier Rousteing for his remarkable contribution to the history of the Maison,” the corporate mentioned in an announcement. “A new creative organization will be announced in due course.”
Appointed in 2011 at simply 24 years outdated, Rousteing was the youngest artistic director in Paris since Yves Saint Laurent and one of many few Black designers to guide a serious European home. Rousteing’s “contribution and passion over the past years will leave an indelible mark in the history of fashion,” mentioned Balmain chief government Matteo Sgarbossa within the assertion.
Over the previous decade, Rousteing redefined Balmain’s picture together with his signature military-inspired aesthetic and the creation of the “Balmain Army” — a social media-savvy collective of movie star muses together with Kim Kardashian West, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner. His aptitude for the digital sphere noticed Balmain launch one of many first branded Snapchat filters, a proprietary app and an early Instagram procuring partnership in 2019.
Rousteing additionally revived Balmain’s high fashion line after a 16-year hiatus and expanded its cultural footprint via collaborations with L’Oréal Paris and commissions similar to designing Beyoncé’s 2018 Coachella costumes.
Born in Bordeaux and adopted at an early age, Rousteing studied at ESMOD in Paris earlier than becoming a member of Roberto Cavalli, ultimately main its womenswear division. He joined Balmain in 2009 beneath Christophe Decarnin, succeeding him two years later and steering the home via its 2016 acquisition by Qatar’s Mayhoola for Investments.
“His visionary leadership has redefined the boundaries of fashion and inspired a generation with bold creativity and authenticity,” mentioned Rachid Mohamed Rachid, CEO of Mayhoola and chairman of Balmain.
“I am 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 mentioned in an announcement. “As I look ahead to the future and the next chapter of my creative journey, I will always hold this treasured time close to my heart.”