Olivier Rousteing Exits Balmain: 10 Iconic Looks During His Reign
10 Iconic Balmain Looks Through Olivier Rousteing’s Reign
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Source: Richard Bord / Getty
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Rousteing’s signature was spectacle with purpose. Essence shared a profile about the fashion craftsman, referring to Olivier as a perpetual dreamer. The article highlights his signature looks with Balmain, fusing military jackets with corsetry, turning strong shoulders into an instantly recognizable silhouette and layering heavy embroidery over streetwear cuts so a girl could walk from a red carpet to a VIP club in looks that read equally cinematic and wearable. He mastered the celebrity collaboration in a way few of his peers did. Whether it was custom pieces for superstar clients, star-packed campaigns, or dressing for viral moments, Rousteing was savvy about turning a single outfit into a cultural event.
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Rousteing’s impact wasn’t only aesthetically pleasing, but it pushed casting diversity and representation earlier and more visibly than many established houses. Balmain’s runways and campaigns regularly showcased Black and Brown models, choreographing a visible, modern idea of glamour that felt inclusive without overt apology. He also leveraged social platforms to build direct relationships with fans. Instagram under Rousteing became an extension of the runway, a place to narrate the brand and turn followers into evangelists.
Critics sometimes grumbled that the house leaned too heavily on spectacle, but you can’t argue with influence. Rousteing made Balmain shorthand for a particular brand of empowered, maximalist glamour. This became a look that dominated red carpets, awards shows and music videos for years. Now, with his departure, fashion editors and fans alike are cataloging the definitive Rousteing moments: the armored bodysuits, the jewel-encrusted gowns, the celeb-packed campaigns and the shoulders that dared to be monumental.
Check out a gallery of some of the most iconic Balmain looks from Olivier Rousteing’s reign below:
1. Couture Armor
Gold-embroidered military jacket with exaggerated shoulders. This is Rousteing’s signature power silhouette.
2. Red Carpet Sculpture

Sculpted mermaid gown with jeweled bodice worn by a global superstar.
3. Runway Warrior

Black leather corset and thigh-high boots. Runway couture meets street.
4. Shimmering At Met Gala

Jenna Ortega stuns at the 2025 Met Gala in a shimmering silver Balmain gown featuring intricate metallic beading, a dramatic train, and sculptural neckline — a futuristic nod to Olivier Rousteing’s signature blend of structure and sensuality.
5. Beyoncé in Balmain

Beyoncé stunned at the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere in a custom black-and-gold Balmain gown by Olivier Rousteing — a regal, sculpted look fit for music and movie royalty.
6. Tailored Obsession

Hyper-cinched waist tuxedo jacket — precision tailoring that defined Balmain’s modern codes.
7. Signature Looks

Rosalía and Olivier Rousteing attend the 2025 Met Gala, celebrating “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” in custom-tailored Balmain looks.
8. Baby Balmain

Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing prepares for his fall 2012 runway show. He’s been designing his signature looks for over a decade.
9. Balmain x H&M

Model Jourdan Dunn, designer Olivier Rousteing and model Kendall Jenner, all wearing Balmain x H&M at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. Classic silhouettes.
10. Custom Balmain For Queen Bey

Beyoncè’s Renaissance World Tour was a moment to remember thanks to Olivier’s custom Balmain looks.
10 Iconic Balmain Looks Through Olivier Rousteing’s Reign was originally published on ionehellobeautiful.staging.go.ione.nyc
