The rumors are true: Rabanne has tapped Olivier Rousteing as its new creative director. The French Maison confirmed the news on Tuesday.
“Joining Rabanne is a tremendous honor,” Rousteing said in a press statement. “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.”
His appointment comes a couple of weeks after Rabbane’s former creative director, Julien Dossena, stepped down. However, industry insiders speculated for months that Rousteing was taking on the position shortly after he stepped down from his 14-year stint as Balmain’s creative director.
In his new role, Rousteing will product expansion, continue to keep Rabanne culturally relevant and “further shape a comprehensive ecosystem where fashion, beauty and innovation exist in constant dialogue,” per the press release. His debut show for Rabanne will take place in March 2027.
“I step into this new chapter with deep respect for the Maison’s extraordinary heritage and with excitement for everything we will build together,” Rousteing continued. “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.”
His appointment comes amid an ongoing trend of creative director switch-ups: In the last few months, Moschinotapped Sunnei co-founders Loris Messina and Simone Rizzo; Carven hired Kai Nesselrath; Diane Von Furstenburg made Henry Zankov its first artistic director; and Courrèges appointed Drew Henry.
