Overview
- The French house confirmed the mutual parting on Nov. 5, formally ending one of fashion’s longest recent creative tenures.
- Rousteing’s next move has not been disclosed as the company prepares to detail its new creative structure.
- Owner Mayhoola and Balmain leadership publicly lauded his impact, with chairman Rachid Mohamed Rachid praising his “visionary” leadership.
- Appointed in 2011 at age 25, he became the first Black designer to lead a major French luxury house and helped grow reported revenues from €30.4 million in 2012 to roughly €300 million last year.
- His tenure revived couture, expanded accessories and beauty via an Estée Lauder licensing deal, and leveraged a celebrity-driven “Balmain Army” to amplify the brand’s global profile.