Balmain was surrounded by intrigue this past season after former head designer Christophe Decarnin resigned due to disputes with the brand’s chairman (and a resulting mental break down).
His replacement? The 25-year-old African-Frenchman, Olivier Rousteing.

Yes, one of France’s historic houses is now creative directed by a brother. This is huge, Bombshells. Name another person of African descent black man at the helm of a historic luxury brand. Exactly.
Raised in Bordeaux, Rousteing holds a degree from the Parisian fashion school ESMOD (l’Ecole Supérieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode). He spent five years at Roberto Cavalli, and has headed womenswear design at Balmain since 2009.
Rousteing said, “I plan to honour that confidence by ensuring that Pierre Balmain always remains one of the leading brands that others look to as a reference.”
Well, alright! Can’t wait to see his first collection.