Rabanne has officially appointed Olivier Rousteing as its new creative director, opening a significant new chapter for the French fashion house as it looks to build on its heritage of innovation while embracing the future.
The appointment comes after Rousteing’s nearly 15-year tenure at Balmain, where he transformed the historic maison into one of fashion’s most influential luxury brands. He succeeds Julien Dossena, who departed Rabanne after 13 years at the creative helm.
Rousteing’s debut collection for Rabanne will be unveiled during Paris Fashion Week in March 2027, marking one of the fashion calendar’s most anticipated designer debuts.
Announcing the appointment, Ana Trias, President of Prestige and Fashion Brands at Puig, described Rousteing as the ideal creative force to lead the house into its next chapter.
“Olivier Rousteing’s creative vision is bold, magnetic and deeply connected to the energy of today. His unique ability to create fashion that celebrates confidence and self-expression makes him a natural choice for Rabanne.”
For Rousteing, joining Rabanne represents the opportunity to continue the legacy of one of fashion’s most experimental maisons.
“Joining Rabanne is a tremendous honour. This is a house that has always challenged convention, transforming bold ideas into creations that have shaped fashion history,” he said.
The designer also paid tribute to his predecessor, acknowledging Julien Dossena’s contribution to modernising the brand while remaining true to its pioneering identity.
Founded by Paco Rabanne, the house became internationally recognised for its groundbreaking use of unconventional materials, particularly its iconic metallic chainmail designs that redefined fashion during the 1960s. Rousteing is expected to build upon that experimental DNA while introducing his own glamorous, highly embellished aesthetic.
The appointment arrives during a period of renewed creative momentum across the luxury industry, with several major fashion houses welcoming new artistic leadership. It also reinforces Puig’s commitment to expanding Rabanne beyond fashion into a fully integrated luxury brand spanning fashion, beauty and fragrance.
Rabanne has enjoyed remarkable commercial success in recent years, becoming Puig’s first brand to surpass €1 billion in annual sales in 2023, driven largely by the global popularity of fragrances including 1 Million, Invictus, and Fame. The company has said it intends to continue expanding the Rabanne universe through new product categories under Rousteing’s creative direction.
Rousteing also brings a proven commercial track record. During his time at Balmain, the brand reportedly achieved a tenfold increase in revenue while cultivating the globally recognised “Balmain Army,” a celebrity community that included Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian and other influential figures.
His arrival signals not only a creative shift for Rabanne but also a strategic move as the house looks to strengthen its position at the intersection of fashion, beauty and innovation.
Fashion’s attention now turns to March 2027, when Olivier Rousteing will reveal his first vision for one of Paris’ most iconic maisons.
