After nearly 15 years at Balmain, the celebrated designer is ushering in a bold new era for the French maison, with his debut collection set for March 2027.

Rabanne has officially named Olivier Rousteing as its new creative director, marking one of fashion's biggest appointments of the year. Following nearly 15 years at the helm of Balmain, Rousteing now takes over the French house as it embarks on a new chapter rooted in founder Paco Rabanne's legacy while looking toward the future.
The appointment comes after a decade of significant growth for the maison across both fashion and beauty. According to Rabanne, Rousteing's arrival signals "a significant new step" in the brand's evolution, one that will honor its pioneering spirit while expanding its creative universe through new product categories and a broader dialogue between fashion, beauty, and innovation.
"Olivier Rousteing's creative vision is bold, magnetic, and deeply connected to the energy of today," said Ana Trias, President of Prestige &amp; Fashion Brands at Puig, in a statement. "His unique ability to create fashion that celebrates confidence and self-expression makes him a natural choice for Rabanne. With Olivier, we are opening a new chapter for the house."
For Rousteing, whose tenure at Balmain transformed the house into a global cultural force, the move represents an opportunity to build upon one of fashion's most experimental legacies.
"Joining Rabanne is a tremendous honor," the designer said. "This is a house that has always challenged convention, transforming bold ideas into creations that have shaped fashion history." He added that he plans to honor the maison's heritage while shaping "a future that is bold, inspiring, and open to new possibilities."
Rousteing's first collection for Rabanne will debut in March 2027, offering the fashion world its first glimpse of how one of the industry's most recognizable creative voices will reinterpret the house's iconic legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and fearless design.

Portrait of Olivier Rousteing. Courtesy of Rabanne.

Olivier Rousteing Is the New Creative Director of Rabanne

The Art Newspaper US Edition & L’Officiel USA subscription

L'OFFICIEL USA July/August – Travis Scott Cover 

L'OFFICIEL USA June 2026 – Anya Taylor-Joy Cover 

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2026 - Kate Hudson Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA April 2026 - Charles Melton Cover

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA April 2026 - Tyrese Haliburton Cover 

L'OFFICIEL HOMMES USA April 2026 - Steve Carell Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA March 2026 - Fala Chen Cover 

L'OFFICIEL USA March 2026 - Grace Burns Cover 

L'OFFICIEL USA March 2026  - Penélope Cruz Cover

Olivier Rousteing Is the New Creative Director of Rabanne

Tags

Recommended posts for you

Fashion

See Fashion's Most Exciting Store Openings in 2026

Fashion