Balmain Names New Designer

Following the departure of Christophe Decarnin from Balmain earlier this month, the French fashion house has confirmed Olivier Rousteing as its new designer, WWD reports.

Rousteing worked closely with Decarnin as head of womenswear since 2009, after a five-year stint at the similarly sex-charged Roberto Cavalli. According to rumors—which The New York Times seems to cite definitively—Decarnin's departure was compelled by irrevocable differences of opinion over the future of the brand between the former designer and CEO Alain Hivelin.

Rousteing remained mum on his specific vision in his new role, saying only

"I plan to honor that confidence by ensuring that Pierre Balmain always remains one of the leading brands that others look to as a reference.

Dedicated fans of Balmain's recently re-charged, hot-haute wild-child party clothes are undoubtedly waiting with bated breath to see what Rousteing has up his sleeve, as are we.

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