More than fifty pieces from Balmain’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection have been stolen after a vehicle transporting the items was robbed, according to the brand’s creative director, Olivier Rousteing. The collection was set to show at Paris Fashion Week later this month.
In an emotional statement posted to Instagram on Saturday, Rousteing revealed that their delivery truck had been “hijacked” by a “group of people” while en route to Balmain’s headquarters from the airport.
“This morning I woke up with [a] smile, starting the fittings for my next show at 9 am, and this is what happened… 50 Balmain pieces stolen,” Rousteing wrote, revealing that the “camion” was taken. “Thank god the driver is safe.”
With a show set for September 27, Rousteing assured that he and his team will be working “day and night” to make up for the devastating loss.
“We are re-doing everything, but this is so, so disrespectful,” he wrote in the caption. “So many workers, suppliers, my team and I… Love you, my Balmain team, and we won’t give up.”
He concluded with a plea for all to be grateful and stay safe. “I wanted to share this with you to remind you, don’t take anything for [granted] and please be safe,” he wrote. “This is the world we are living in.”
Though fashion garments can be valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s rare that these brands are targeted in such a way. Following the news, fellow designers and industry insiders offered their support to the brand in the comments before the creative director switched comments off.
Donatella Versace wrote, “Sending you all my love. I know that you and your creativity will be able to overcome this!” while Simon Porte Jacquemus commented, “Strength” with a heart emoji. Models Elsa Hosk and Linda Evangelista also offered their shared frustration and sympathy.
Rousteing has helmed the brand since 2011, taking the reigns from Christophe Decarnin when he was only 25. He has since become a favourite amongst the celebrity set and can always be trusted to bring a worldly sense of glamour to the runway. In 2020, tragedy struck when the French designer suffered severe burns all over his face and body after the fireplace in his home exploded. At the time, he remained quiet about the incident, only revealing the extent of his injuries after he was healed. Opening up about the experience on Instagram, he shared his gratitude to the medical staff around him despite dealing with COVID-19 and assured fans that he was in good health.
“There is always the sun after the storm,” he wrote.
Now it’s unclear what his latest collection will look like post-theft, but we’re certain that if anyone can rally, it’s Rousteing.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.