Olivier Rousteing takes over as Creative Director at Rabanne

Rabanne announced on Tuesday the appointment of Olivier Rousteing as the brand’s creative director. After fourteen years at Balmain, he succeeds Julien Dossena and will present his first collection in March 2027 during Paris Fashion Week.

Olivier Rousteing is starting a new chapter in his career at Rabanne. The French designer is joining the Spanish Puig Group’s label as creative director, just a few months after leaving Balmain, where he held that position for fourteen years. He succeeds Julien Dossena, who had led Rabanne’s creative direction for thirteen years.

A designer with a remarkable career

Olivier Rousteing has established himself as one of the most influential figures in contemporary fashion. Appointed creative director of Balmain at just 25 years old, he profoundly transformed the image of the French fashion house by developing a highly recognizable aesthetic, accompanied by a strong social media presence.

Indeed, over the course of his fourteen years at Balmain, he has become one of the most media-covered designers of his generation. His Instagram account now boasts no fewer than 9.4 million followers.

Rabanne is banking on a new creative dynamic

For Puig, this appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of development. In the press release announcing the appointment, Ana Trias, president of the group’s Prestige and Fashion brands, noted that Olivier Rousteing’s ability to create fashion that celebrates “self-confidence and personal expression” made him a natural choice to lead Rabanne’s future.

The designer’s challenge will be to continue the work already underway in fashion while strengthening alignment with the brand’s beauty universe. Rabanne remains a strategic pillar of Puig. In 2023, the brand became the group’s first to exceed one billion euros in annual revenue, driven in particular by the international success of its fragrances.

First collection expected in 2027

Olivier Rousteing reacted on his Instagram, describing the appointment as an “immense honor” and stating his intention to build on the legacy of innovation left by Paco Rabanne while paying tribute to the work accomplished by his predecessor, Julien Dossena.

His first collection for Rabanne will be unveiled in March 2027 during Paris Fashion Week. This runway show will be closely watched by the industry, as it will mark the beginning of a new era for a fashion house that aims to strengthen its position in the luxury sector.