Rabanne Appoints Olivier Rousteing as New Creative Director
Rabanne has officially named Olivier Rousteing as its new creative director, ushering in a new era for the iconic French fashion house. The appointment marks Rousteing’s return to the forefront of luxury fashion following his departure from Balmain in late 2025 after an influential 14-year tenure.
Rousteing will debut his first collection for Rabanne during Paris Fashion Week in March 2027, presenting the brand’s Fall/Winter 2027 collection. He succeeds Julien Dossena, whose modern interpretation of the house’s futuristic heritage helped redefine Rabanne over the past 13 years.
In a statement announcing the appointment, Rousteing described joining Rabanne as “a tremendous honor,” praising the house’s fearless approach to innovation and craftsmanship.
“Rabanne has always challenged convention and transformed bold ideas into creations that have shaped fashion history,” Rousteing said. “Its spirit of innovation and creativity has inspired generations, and today it inspires me.”
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging Dossena’s contribution to preserving the brand’s pioneering identity while successfully introducing it to a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.
Puig executives expressed confidence that Rousteing is the right creative force to lead the next chapter of Rabanne. Ana Trias, President of Prestige and Fashion Brands at Puig, described his creative vision as bold, magnetic, and deeply connected to today’s culture, adding that his ability to celebrate confidence and individuality makes him a natural fit for the house.
The announcement, made on France’s Bastille Day, was accompanied by a portrait of Rousteing holding Rabanne’s signature silver chainmail—a symbolic nod to one of fashion’s most recognizable design codes.
At just 40 years old, Rousteing already brings more than 15 years of creative leadership experience. When he became Balmain’s creative director in 2011, he was one of the youngest designers ever appointed to lead a major Parisian fashion house. During his tenure, he transformed Balmain into a global luxury powerhouse, cultivating the influential “Balmain Army” and building close relationships with celebrities including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and numerous international stars.
His digital influence is equally significant. Rousteing commands an Instagram following of more than 9 million, giving him one of the strongest social media platforms among luxury creative directors—an asset that could further elevate Rabanne’s global visibility.
Beyond cultural relevance, Rousteing arrives with an impressive business track record. Under his leadership, Balmain reportedly increased its revenue tenfold while strengthening its position as one of fashion’s most recognizable luxury brands. He also collaborated with another Puig-owned label in 2022 when he served as guest couture designer for Jean Paul Gaultier.
Rabanne remains one of Puig’s most valuable fashion and fragrance brands. The company first partnered with Paco Rabanne in the fragrance business in 1968 before acquiring the entire brand, including its fashion division, in 1987. In 2023, Rabanne became Puig’s first brand to surpass €1 billion in annual sales, driven largely by blockbuster fragrances including 1 Million, Invictus, and Fame.
While fragrance continues to fuel the brand’s commercial success, fashion remains central to Rabanne’s identity. Under Rousteing’s direction, the house plans to further expand its creative universe by strengthening the connection between fashion, beauty, and innovation.
His arrival also comes during a period of significant transformation across the luxury industry, with major fashion houses embracing new creative leadership in response to evolving consumer expectations and increased competition. As Puig continues investing in Rabanne’s future, Rousteing now faces the challenge—and opportunity—of honoring the house’s avant-garde legacy while writing its next chapter for a new generation.
Reflecting on the appointment, Rousteing emphasized that fashion has always been about emotion, individuality, and self-expression.
“I look forward to working alongside the remarkable teams at the house to honor this unique legacy while shaping a future that is bold, inspiring, and open to new possibilities.”
Photo: Francesca Beltran for Rabanne
