24th September 2023 – (Paris) Balmain, the renowned French fashion label, has suffered a major setback just days before its scheduled showcase at Paris Fashion Week. Over 50 designs from the highly anticipated 2024 Spring/Summer collection were stolen from a delivery truck that was reportedly hijacked. Creative director Olivier Rousteing confirmed the theft through a heartfelt Instagram post, expressing his frustration and determination to overcome this setback.
Olivier Rousteing, who has led Balmain’s creative direction since 2011, took to Instagram on Sunday to address the unfortunate incident. He revealed that he had been preparing for the fashion show, eagerly awaiting the final looks for their collection, when he received a distressing call about the alleged robbery. According to Rousteing, the delivery truck carrying the garments was hijacked by a group of individuals while en route from the airport to the Balmain headquarters.
Expressing his disappointment, Rousteing emphasized the hard work of his dedicated team, who had put tremendous effort into creating the collection. He shared his gratitude that the driver involved in the incident was safe but expressed his frustration at the unfairness of the situation. The designer vowed to redo everything, highlighting the disrespectful nature of the theft and the challenges it presents.
While a spokesperson for Balmain confirmed that the fashion show would proceed as planned later in the month, they refrained from providing further details regarding the alleged robbery, citing an ongoing investigation. The label remains focused on overcoming this setback and delivering an exceptional showcase despite the unfortunate circumstances.
The fashion industry and fans rallied behind Olivier Rousteing, offering their support through social media. Donatella Versace, the creative director of Versace, expressed her love and support, believing in Rousteing’s ability to overcome this setback and continue showcasing his creativity. The solidarity demonstrated by industry figures serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the fashion community.