Olivier Rousteing has been named Rabanne's new Creative Director, succeeding Julien Dossena after 13 years. The former Balmain designer will debut his first collection for the Puig-owned house during Paris Fashion Week in March 2027, ushering in a new era for one of fashion's most influential maisons
Olivier Rousteing has been formally appointed as Rabanne’s creative director, marking “a significant new step in Rabanne's evolution,” the Puig-owned house said on Tuesday. The former creative director of Balmain, who stepped down in November 2025 after 14 years, will stage his first show for the house at Paris Fashion Week in March for autumn/winter 2027. He succeeds Julien Dossena, who exited the brand after 13 years.
“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. Its spirit of innovation, craftsmanship and fearless creativity has inspired generations, and today it inspires me,” Rousteing said in a statement.
He went on to recognise Dossena’s “remarkable creative legacy”. “His vision has redefined the house for a new generation while remaining deeply respectful of its pioneering spirit. I have great admiration for what he has built and for the powerful dialogue he created between Rabanne's heritage and contemporary fashion.”
Ana Trias, president, prestige and fashion brands of Puig, added: “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. With Olivier, we are opening a new chapter for the house.”
Photo: Francesca Beltran
The iconic Rabanne chainmail being held by Olivier Rousteing. . Photo: Francesca Beltran
Unexpectedly, the announcement came on Bastille Day, France's national holiday. In the portrait, Rousteing holds Rabanne’s iconic chainmail in one hand, with silver metal mesh, as well as a pen and notebook on the table in front of him.
Rousteing’s time at Balmain was defined by a bold, intricately detailed aesthetic that’s likely suited to a house synonymous with the iconic metallic dress. Now aged 40, he already has 15 years of experience as a creative director under his belt. When Rousteing was handed the Balmain job in 2011, he became the youngest non-founding designer to lead a major Paris house since Yves Saint Laurent was appointed at Dior.
This is a house that has always challenged convention, transforming bold ideas into creations that have shaped fashion history.
Olivier Rousteing
During his tenure, Rousteing spearheaded the creation of the Balmain Army, a diverse and influential community of models, influencers, and celebrities that included figures such as the Kardashians. In a celebrity-driven era, he brings both his relationships and social media firepower to the house of Rabanne. Rousteing has 9.4 million Instagram followers. Rabanne, by comparison, has 1.9 million.
There’s also his strong growth record: during his tenure at Balmain, the house experienced a tenfold increase in revenue. Plus, Rousteing has already worked with a Puig-owned house – albeit for just one couture season – as a guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier in 2022.
Olivier Rousteing at the 2026 Met Gala . Photo: Getty
The announcement comes after Rousteing made a highly anticipated return in May to create a custom gown for Beyoncé at the Met Gala. The dress featured a skin-toned mesh base with a diamond skeleton design that extended all the way to her fingers.
Rabanne is a key brand for Puig, so the stakes are high. The group made its debut in fragrance licensing in 1968, with the launch of a Paco Rabanne scent, which propelled the company internationally. In 1987, Puig then took over the entire Paco Rabanne brand, including its fashion and accessories division.
Rabanne was the first Puig brand to surpass €1 billion in sales in 2023, turbocharged by its bestselling fragrances 1 Million, Invictus and Fame. Although it is a much smaller business for Rabanne, fashion plays a key role by creating a halo effect that is fundamental to nurturing brand equity. “Fragrance is about storytelling, and fashion gives inspiration. You either own it or you don’t, but either way, it has to be cool,” says TD Cowen analyst Oliver Chen.
According to Rabanne’s release, the house will continue, under Rousteing’s creative direction, “to expand its universe through new product categories, further shaping a comprehensive ecosystem where fashion, beauty and innovation exist in constant dialogue.”
Rousteing’s nomination comes at a time of mounting competition, renewed creative momentum across major fashion houses, and a more gradual industry recovery than many had anticipated. After merger discussions between Estée Lauder Companies and Puig collapsed, the pressure is on to scale Puig’s existing portfolio. Sales at Puig’s fragrance and fashion division, which includes Rabanne, rose 3.9 per cent to €897 million in Q1 2026, a solid performance against a demanding Q1 2025 comparison base, amid market moderation, according to the company.
The house also has a new management team in place: Jean-Jacques Guével joined quietly as general manager of Rabanne’s fashion business in September 2025, and Renaud de Lesquen was appointed president of Rabanne One Brand, which means leading both fashion and beauty activities, in April 2026. De Lesquen spent 12 years at LVMH, most recently serving as CEO of Givenchy from 2020 to 2024. Before joining LVMH, he held roles at L'Oréal.
“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,” Rousteing added. “I look forward to working alongside the remarkable teams of the house to honour this unique legacy while shaping a future that is bold, inspiring, and open to new possibilities.”
Originally published by Vogue Runway.