When Olivier Rousteing took over the house of Balmain 12 years ago, no one could have predicted he'd become one of the most influential and successful - fashion designers in the world. For starters, he was only 25 and relatively unknown, making him an unusual appointment in the notoriously elitist industry. Plus, he's a person of colour - also rare for a high-ranking creative at a luxury fashion house.
It's an imbalance Rousteing's now vocal about. "Twelve years ago, the industry was so racist," he says candidly, when we meet in London at his new Mount Street store. "What I'm happy about today is that many other designers are free to talk loudly about what they are going through. What I did wrong was to be silent, because I saw and heard things about colours, ethnicities, backgrounds that hurt me a lot. There would be like 500 people in a room and no one mentioned the lack of diversity. At the time I was thinking, 'Is there space for me here?"
The odds may have been against Rousteing when he was appointed, but he has more than carved out his niche. The Balmain aesthetic is tight, audacious, and leggy, trading in bombastic rhinestones, velvet, pearls, and leather. He didn't just sprinkle A-list stardust on the brand; as one of the first creative directors to embrace social media, he has redefined the term celebrity designer. Rousteing has weathered his fair share of criticism over the years (a 2016 New York Times article proclaimed his designs an acquired taste'), but he is having the last laugh - over the past decade, the company's profits have increased sevenfold.
この記事は Grazia India の June 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Grazia India の June 2023 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN
We go beyond the sun, sand and tan at this tropical paradise
A Hard Pill To Swallow
This travelogue captures the 2023 Cricket World Cup that took place around India, including the Final that devastated us all
BAKING MEMORIES
From heirloom recipes to the scent of spiced fruits, Mumbai's bakers are preserving the art of Christmas cakes with heart and history
NO REST FOR THE WICKED
Costume designer Paul Tazewell's work in Wicked is a testament to how thoughtful design can enrich storytelling
HEARD OF THE 'PRETTY PERSON PROBLEM'?
Beauty experts are saying it's what happens when the genetically blessed go full-throttle on the tweakments...
HAPPY FEET
With Aquazzura's first boutique in India, creative director Edgardo Osorio discusses the brand's global appeal, its resonance with Indian clients, and the inspirations he finds in the country
STRAIGHT-TALKING
Fashion has always been a romance between the past and present for designer Kresha Bajaj
Dump, Discount, Or DESTROY?
As the beauty industry goes all out during the festive season, we unpack the fate of unsold holiday-themed products and the growing concerns of overconsumption
2024 TRENDS WRAPPED
Six beauty content creators showcase their interpretations of the most-talked-about trends that defined this year
RETURN TO ROOTS
The pioneer of outerwear gives you a distinct taste of British heritage and style