Olivier Rousteing Steps Down as Balmain Creative Director After 14 Years

Olivier Rousteing is exiting his role at Balmain after over a decade!

The designer announced on Wednesday (November 5) that he has parted ways with the fashion brand after 14 years of serving as creative director.

He took on the role at age 25 in 2011, making him one of the youngest leads of a Parisian fashion house.

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“Today marks the end of my Balmain era. Sixteen years ago, I began this Balmain adventure without knowing what the future would hold. What an extraordinary story it has been — a love story, a life story,” Olivier shared on Instagram. “None of it would ever have been possible without my chosen family, my team, the group, and all the people who believed in me from the very beginning. Like every story, this one also has an ending.”

“Thank you for your support, your love, and for having lived, season after season, this beautiful Balmain journey with me. Thank you to Mayhoola for the support and for all the memories that will remain forever engraved in my mind. Thank you to my team, without whom none of these incredible adventures could have existed,” he continued. “I arrived at 24 with my eyes wide open and the determination to persevere, always. Today, I leave the House of Balmain with my eyes still wide open — open to the future and to the beautiful adventures ahead, adventures in which all of you will have a place.”

Olivier has had a number of incredible collections over the years, and has notably dressed several A-list stars like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Cardi B and many more, including Zendaya‘s jaw-dropping look at the 2021 Venice Film Festival premiere of Dune.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to Olivier for writing such an important chapter in the history of Balmain House. Olivier’s contribution and passion over the past years will leave an indelible mark in the history of fashion,” Balmain CEO Matteo Sgarbossa shared in a statement.

Olivier‘s successor has not been revealed at this time.

This is just the latest shakeup in the fashion world, following a string of creative director switch-ups over the past couple years.

Last year, Alessandro Michele took over at Valentino from Pierpaolo Piccioli, with Balenciaga‘s Demna taking over Alessandro‘s position at Gucci.

Jonathan Anderson also parted ways with Loewe and joined Dior as the first ever creative director of the women’s, men’s and haute couture collections for the brand.