On June 9, the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT in New York announced that Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain, will receive the 2025 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion. The award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, during the Council’s annual luncheon at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York.
Past recipients of this prestigious award include Simon Porte Jacquemus (2024), Maria Grazia Chiuri (2022), and Karl Lagerfeld (2010), all of whom have left a lasting impact on the fashion world. Rousteing’s recognition reinforces his standing as a leading creative force shaping the future of fashion.
Fourteen Years of Fashion as Storytelling
In 2011, at just 25 years old, Rousteing was appointed to lead Balmain—a position through which he has seamlessly bridged heritage and innovation. Reinterpreting the maison’s archives while blending couture craftsmanship with a contemporary lens, he has forged what is now recognized as a new French style. His signature sharp silhouettes, commitment to inclusivity, and deep connection to the ever-evolving urban culture of Paris have distinguished his work and redefined the visual identity of the house.
“Style is not merely about clothing; it’s about the art of expression and the beautiful stories we share,” Rousteing has said. This philosophy reflects his approach to fashion as a form of dialogue with the times.
Rousteing’s aesthetic extends far beyond visual impact. By transcending boundaries of gender, race, and body type, he has championed a style where everyone can take center stage. His creation of the globally recognized Balmain Army stands as a testament to this inclusive vision.
Valerie Steele, Director of The Museum at FIT, noted, “Olivier’s strong and beautiful fashions have been featured in a number of major exhibitions at The Museum at FIT, including Paris, Capital of Fashion (2019), Africa’s Fashion Diaspora (2023), and the forthcoming, Dress, Dreams, and Desire (2025). I have such respect for Olivier Rousteing, who is not only a very talented designer but also a thoughtful and genuine person.”
Joyce F. Brown, President of FIT, praised Rousteing’s achievements, saying, “Olivier’s path as a visionary young designer is especially inspiring to our students, and we celebrate his cultivation of a broad and inclusive clientele over the past 14 years at Balmain.”
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The award ceremony also serves as an official kickoff event for New York Fashion Week. Bloomingdale’s will act as the presenting sponsor of the luncheon. Denise Magid, Chief Merchant at Bloomingdale’s and a member of FIT’s Board of Trustees, commented, “We are especially thrilled that this impressive award will recognize our incredible partner, the esteemed fashion house Balmain, and well-deserving Olivier Rousteing, who has contributed to innovation and creativity within the industry through his designs.”
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