Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of
Balmain Paris is getting more than a few things right. His early childhood could have ended in disaster, but was saved. He says that he is grateful. Very, very grateful. With gratitude and his talents, he is living and working out his best life. Not so much "yes, he can", more "yes he did!" He has squeezed a lot into his 30 years and appears to live by the motto: Do it, Do it very well, Do it now.
Here are seven things that he is getting right:
1. Growing Balmain's overall Brand Value, Visability and Profits. The brand has also become a growing force in menswear, men's style and men's fashion, in just a few years.
2. He is a True Creative and a Consummate Designer. He was trained in couture and maintains that DNA. He enjoys the thrill of using the finest materials and craftsmanship in his designs.
3. He is a genius of Modern Communication Technology and Social Media. This means he gets closer to his #Balmaination, supporters and customers. He has created the blueprint for how heritage brands can successfully embrace new technology and engage with younger customers.
4. He creates Dynamic and Diverse Runway Shows season after season. Other brands ignore this and present a stream of dreary look-a-likes, indifferent to their global consumers. His approach is unforced. All of his models are the very best. This inclusion does not herald the end of high fashion.
5. He is Starting and Leading the Conversation about how to live with exclusivity and inclusiveness. He suggests that these are not mutually exclusive worlds closed to each other or to new entrants. His starting point is dreaming and being allowed to imagine that everything is possible.
6. He likes The Real World. This can be seen in his interviews which are a blend of typical creative-speak and his interest in pop culture, music, art, hip-hop, show business, design and technology. A modern renaissance man, blending all of these influences as a true citizen of the world.
7. He is A Role Model. Period.
Images from Olivier Rousteing Instagram.
Nic Horne (NH)
