Olivier Rousteing Named Creative Director at Paco Rabanne
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Olivier Rousteing has been appointed the new creative director of the Spanish luxury fashion house Paco Rabanne.
- Rousteing, who previously led Balmain for nearly 15 years, will present his first collection for Rabanne in March 2027.
- He expressed honor in joining the brand, citing its history of challenging conventions and its vision of freedom and individuality.
Olivier Rousteing, the celebrated designer behind Balmain's recent successes, is stepping into a new role as creative director for Paco Rabanne. The Spanish luxury fashion house announced the appointment on Tuesday, marking a significant shift for both Rousteing and the brand.
Rabanne is delighted to welcome Olivier Rousteing as the house's new creative director. His first collection will be presented in March 2027.
Rousteing, who departed Balmain in November 2025 after a nearly 15-year tenure, will unveil his inaugural collection for Paco Rabanne in March 2027. He expressed deep honor in joining a house known for its avant-garde spirit and transformative designs. "This is a house that has always challenged convention, transforming bold ideas into creations that have shaped fashion history," Rousteing stated.
Let the journey begin
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Julien Dossena, who departed in June after 13 years. Rousteing emphasized his personal connection to Paco Rabanne's enduring vision of freedom and individuality, stating, "For me, fashion is about emotion, identity, and the confidence to express who we truly are."
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.
Known for his glamorous and pop-infused designs, Rousteing has cultivated a significant following, particularly among younger audiences, with around 10 million Instagram followers. His past collaborations, including a collection with H&M and work with Jean-Paul Gaultier, highlight his ability to bridge high fashion with broader accessibility. His recent work also includes designing a Met Gala dress for Beyoncรฉ in 2022.
For me, fashion is about emotion, identity, and the confidence to express who we truly are. That belief feels deeply connected to Paco Rabanne and his enduring vision of freedom and individuality.
Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.