Since Olivier Rousteing took over the helm of Balmain in 2011, we’ve watched the label grow into one of the most well-known and admired luxury fashion brands. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Rousteing explained how he’s had to break rules in the fashion industry.
“Sometimes I have to break some rules, like when I started in at Balmain. I broke rules because I came from a relatively unknown background, being so young at 24 and being Black. But actually, what I am is a French designer. Bringing about change. Fighting the establishment.”
Rousteing also had the following message for his critics: “People don’t have to love my show or my clothes. But they should at least embrace the fact I bring some diversity into the luxury world.” We couldn’t agree more!
Yesterday, Rousteing showed Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection in Paris, which paid homage to his childhood and featured many of our favorite Black models. See who walked the runway below!
Watch the Balmain Spring 2018 runway show at balmainlive.com.
