Why Olivier Rousteing Is Saying Goodbye to Balmain After Transforming the Brand

After 14 years at the helm, Olivier Rousteing has officially stepped down as creative director of Balmain, closing one of the most influential chapters in 21st-century fashion. The announcement, confirmed by the house on 5 November 2025, marks the end of an era that saw Rousteing transform a heritage label into a global symbol of contemporary glamour and diversity.

In a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Rousteing wrote: 'Today marks the end of my Balmain era. Sixteen years ago, I began this adventure without knowing what the future would hold. What an extraordinary story it has been — a love story, a life story'.

He expressed gratitude to his team, Balmain's parent company Mayhoola, and his supporters worldwide, adding that he now looks forward to 'a new era, a new beginning, a new story'.

Balmain's official statement mirrored the sentiment, confirming that a new creative organisation for the house will be announced soon.

How He Transformed the Brand into a Cultural Powerhouse

When Rousteing took over Balmain in 2011 at just 25 years old, he became the youngest designer to lead a major Parisian house since Yves Saint Laurent at Dior — and notably, the first Black designer to head a French luxury maison across all design categories. Under his leadership, Balmain's annual revenue skyrocketed from €30 million (approximately £27 million) in 2012 to an estimated €300 million (approximately £264 million) in 2024.

Rousteing's vision fused couture-level craftsmanship with the energy of pop culture. He created the Balmain Army — a movement of diversity, confidence and social media engagement that positioned the brand at the forefront of cultural conversation. Celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid and Beyoncé became both muses and collaborators, transforming Balmain into a household name for the digital generation.

In 2015, his collaboration with H&M turned into a global phenomenon, with fans camping outside stores and the collection selling out within hours. By blending exclusivity with accessibility, Rousteing redefined how luxury could connect with mass audiences.

Beyond fashion, Rousteing expanded Balmain's influence into music, beauty, and fragrance, partnering with Estée Lauder, and spearheading public runway festivals that merged live performance with couture. His dedication to inclusivity — from diverse casting to accessible shows — helped modernise the Paris fashion scene and inspired a new generation of designers to view fashion as both art and activism.

Rousteing's personal story also resonated deeply. Adopted and raised in Bordeaux, he documented his search for identity in the 2019 Netflix documentary Wonder Boy, reflecting the vulnerability and resilience that shaped his creative philosophy. His tenure balanced heritage and innovation, honouring Balmain founder Pierre Balmain's post-war couture legacy while pushing boundaries with bold silhouettes, intricate embellishments and unapologetic glamour.

What's Next for Balmain and Rousteing

As Balmain prepares for its next chapter, speculation grows over who will succeed Rousteing — whether an established industry figure or a rising creative talent, echoing the same risk Balmain took in 2011 when it appointed him.

Balmain CEO Matteo Sgarbossa praised Rousteing for his 'bold creativity, authenticity, and commitment to inclusivity', saying his influence 'will leave an indelible mark on the history of fashion'.

Rousteing's exit follows Balmain's 80th-anniversary celebration earlier this year, which he co-led with Mayhoola to cement the house's legacy of innovation and glamour. Though his next move remains undisclosed, he hinted at a continuing passion for storytelling and reinvention: 'I leave Balmain with my eyes wide open — open to the future and to the beautiful adventures ahead.'

Whether his next chapter unfolds in couture, film, or a new venture entirely, Olivier Rousteing leaves behind a legacy of transformation. From a 25-year-old outsider to one of fashion's most powerful creative voices, he exits Balmain not as a designer leaving a house — but as the visionary who made it matter again.