When the fashion world learned that a young twenty something was stepping in as head designer at Balmain, many eyebrows were raised.  Olivier Rousteing had large shoes to fill as he took over for Christophe Decarnin earlier this year. Many skeptics waiting to see how the brand would hold up when fresh young talent began leading the pack.  He debuted his first collection at Paris Fashion Week on an impeccable high note with much excitement and acclaim.

Editors noticed his attention to detail and continuation of creativity to the brand. “He obviously has a deep understanding of what has made Balmain so successful,” said British Vogue’s fashion editor Fran Burns in an interview by Charlotte Cowles for New York Magazine. With detailed gold-embellished jackets, tops and dresses, denim and leather pants topped with big buckled gold belts, the line brought a breathtaking authentic regalness to the runway.

Rousteing was born in France and raised in Bordeaux. He graduated from the Parisian fashion school ESMOD. He honed his skills for five years at Roberto Cavalli and worked at Balmain since 2009.

Yvelette Stines