Olivier Rousteing to be decorated in New York next September

Fourteen years ago, in 2011, a 25-year-old young designer took the reins of Maison Balmain, preparing to give it a new breath of life. A rock, offbeat, fresh, innovative breath. This young designer is named Olivier Rousteing, he is now 39 years old and will receive next September the 2025 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion from the Museum at FIT in New York. Before reaching success, glory, and awards, Olivier Rousteing's personal and professional path was fraught with pitfalls. His story is touching, as evidenced by Wonder Boy, Olivier Rousteing, Born Under X, a documentary produced by Netflix following him in his efforts to find his biological mother and understand his roots. His resilience is immense. He made his debut at Balmain in 2009 as studio manager - after cutting his teeth in fashion in Italy at Roberto Cavalli - where he worked side by side with Christophe Decarnin, then the House's artistic director. Very quickly, the rock and feminine style of Olivier's creations pleased. Effortlessly, he managed to find the perfect balance between respect for the House's heritage, progress, and innovation, while adding his unique personal touch.

Qualities that would lead him to the position of Artistic Director of the House in 2011, a role he has never left. Through a notable presence on social media, endless collections, friendships with the biggest stars, projects like designing Beyoncé's stage costumes or collaborations with the biggest names, Olivier Rousteing has managed to assert himself with strength and panache on the French and international fashion scene. After Simon Porte Jacquemus, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Thom Browne, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino, Karl Lagerfeld, and Dries Van Noten, former winners of the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion, we can say without much risk that Rousteing also deserves an award to display in his living room to remind him of the journey made and the success achieved.

"Receiving the Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion from the Museum at FIT is a great honor and a unique moment of reflection," Olivier stated. "Style is not just about clothes; it's about the art of expression and the beautiful stories we share. Throughout my journey at Balmain, I have always pushed boundaries and challenged conventional notions of beauty to propose new and unexpected narratives. This award celebrates not only my work and my incredible team but also the collective spirit of boldness and creativity that fuels our industry as we continue to redefine the world of fashion." The award ceremony will take place during New York Fashion Week at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York, and the proceeds generated by the event will be donated to the Museum at FIT, the Big Apple's only museum exclusively dedicated to the art of fashion.