In 2022 he joined Jean Paul Gaultier’s couture lineup, underscoring his prestige in couture circles.

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Rousteing highlighted defining moments and collaborations, including work with Doja Cat and Lindsay Lohan, and a Met Gala moment with Tyla as part of his legacy.

Olivier Rousteing is stepping away from Balmain after 14 years as creative director, marking the end of a transformative era for the Paris house.

Under his leadership, Balmain expanded globally and grew in turnover, aided by ownership changes through Mayhoola and leadership trust that Rousteing credited to the brand’s direction.

He used Balmain to push inclusion and diversity, promoting Black and brown models as center-stage and turning runway shows into viral, socially engaging moments.

Celebrities and fans flooded social media with thanks and encouragement for his next steps, including messages from Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba.

Kim Kardashian has long been a muse for Balmain, with memorable looks tying into Rousteing’s era, such as the 2014 beaded dress and early collaborations.

Rousteing publicly discussed personal challenges in the past, including his adoption story and healing from a severe burn injury that influenced his spring 2022 collection.

He began the role in 2011 at age 25, becoming one of the youngest leaders of a major Paris fashion house.

Milestones included a high-profile H&M collaboration in 2015 and Balmain’s movement toward festival-style shows and broader accessibility through large-scale events.

Industry chatter about a successor began early in 2025, with interviews for a replacement reportedly taking place starting in January.