Since April 2011, Olivier Rousteing served as creative director of Balmain, first appointed at the age of 25. On November 5, 2025, the Paris-based fashion house officially announced that Rousteing would be leaving the role after 14 years.

Under Rousteing’s leadership, Balmain underwent a dramatic transformation. The brand evolved from a heritage label into a global, celebrity-driven powerhouse. He introduced what came to be known as the “Balmain Army” stars such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and more became muses for his opulent, Instagram-friendly aesthetic.

Rousteing’s tenure also marked important milestones in terms of diversity and digital strategy. He was the first Black creative director of a major French maison across all categories, and he championed inclusive casting while pioneering social-media engagement and digital commerce for the brand.

In a statement, Rousteing wrote:

“Today marks the end of my Balmain era … What an extraordinary story it has been, a love story, a life story … I will always hold this treasured time close to my heart.”
Balmain confirmed the departure and said a “new creative organization for the House will be announced in due course.”

The timing of the departure coinciding with Balmain’s 80th anniversary year indicates a moment of transition and possible strategic reset for the label. While Rousteing leaves a legacy of glamour and innovation, some industry observers note that Balmain may now pivot to a new creative direction as luxury spending and the global market evolve.

For Rousteing personally, this move opens a new chapter after a remarkably long tenure in a sector where creative directors often change every few years. At 40, he may explore new ventures, partnerships or even a label of his own. The fashion world will watch closely to see where his next step leads.

In the end, Olivier Rousteing’s departure marks not just the end of his leadership at Balmain, but a closing of one of the defining creative eras of early-21st-century luxury fashion. The future of Balmain, and Rousteing’s next move, promise to be among the most-watched developments in the fashion industry in the coming months.