Olivier Rousteing Appointed as Creative Director of Rabanne

After 14 years at Balmain, the designer behind Beyoncé's 2026 Met Gala look is officially opening a new chapter. 

On July 14, 2026, Rabanne officially confirmed what the fashion world had been speculating about for months: Olivier Rousteing is the house’s new creative director.

Rousteing made an announcement himself on Instagram that morning, sharing a “We are starting this journey together , honored and proud” a heartfelt statement that signaled both reverence for where he is going and gratitude for where he has been. The appointment marks one of the most closely watched leadership transitions in the luxury sector this season — and one of the most significant moves in fashion for the Black community.

Rousteing brings a resume that speaks for itself. He began his career at Roberto Cavalli in 2003, where he served as creative director of the Italian label’s women’s ready-to-wear collection for five years before joining Balmain in 2009. On April 26, 2011, at just 25 years old, he was named creative director of Balmain — becoming one of the youngest designers to hold such a position at a major French fashion house and the first Black designer to lead a French luxury house.  He announced his departure from Balmain on Nov. 5, 2025 after a 14 year tenure. 

His cultural impact, however, never required a title. Rousteing has continued to deliver some of the most talked-about looks and moments in fashion. He built the BalmainArmy — a community of models, celebrities and cultural icons including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner

In 2015, his collaboration with H&M  “Balmain x HM” became one of the most anticipated fashion collaborations in the retailer’s history.  Most recently, he designed custom looks for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour  with a 17 piece couture collection and returned to dress her for the 2026 Met Gala, where she wore a bespoke crystal-encrusted skeletal gown that stopped the internet.

Now his creative vision has a new home. In a statement released on July 14, Rousteing shared: “Joining Rabanne is a tremendous honor. This is a House that has always challenged convention, transforming bold ideas into creations that have shaped fashion history. Its spirit of innovation, craftsmanship and fearless creativity has inspired generations — and today it inspires me.” He also took a moment to honor his predecessor, Julien Dossena: “His vision has redefined the house for a new generation while remaining deeply respectful of its pioneering spirit. I have great admiration for what he has built and for the powerful dialogue he created between Rabanne’s heritage and contemporary fashion.”

Ana Trias, president of prestige and fashion brands at Puig, Rabanne’s parent company, confirmed the appointment in an official press release the same day. “Olivier Rousteing’s creative vision is bold, magnetic and deeply connected to the energy of today,” Trias said. “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.”

Rousteing succeeds Julien Dossena, who announced his departure from Rabanne on June 24, 2026, after 13 years as creative director. Rousteing will present a pre-fall collection in November 2026, with his first runway show during Paris Fashion Week in March 2027.