Balmain’s Spring Collection Was Stolen by Hijackers Ahead of Paris Fashion Week, Creative Director Says
It seems a band of thieves has run away with the clothes for Balmain’s upcoming runway.
Fifty garments that were set to be unveiled at the French fashion house’s Paris Fashion Week show later this month have gone missing after a truck carrying the collection was stolen, according to an Instagram post by creative director Olivier Rousteing.
More from Robb Report
Meet 'Barry,' the 150-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur That Could Fetch $1.3 Million at Auction This Fall
Paris's Art Scene Is Buzzing With New Energy. Here Are the Must-See Shows This Fall.
“Today I went to the office at 9 a.m. waiting for the last pieces for our show, our Balmain show in September,” the designer wrote. “I was starting to create some looks with my team and our driver called us and said that he was hijacked by a group of people.”
Rousteing said the driver was coming from the airport to the Balmain headquarters when he was robbed. He added that the driver was safe. The label is scheduled to present its 2024 spring-summer collection at a show near the Eiffel Tower on September 27. Rousteing indicated that the event would go ahead as planned, but pointed out that it would require a large effort from his team and suppliers.
“This is so unfair,” he wrote. “My team and I worked so hard. We will work more, days and night as well, our suppliers will work days and night as well but this is so disrespectful.”
There has been an outpouring of love on Instagram from fellow designers and fans. “Sending you all my love,” Donatella Versace wrote. “I know that you and your creativity will be able to overcome this.” Designer Simon Porte Jacquemus also commented “Strength” on the post.
Rousteing joined Balmain in 2009. During his decade at the house, the Parisian designer has held many lavish runway presentations with more than 100 looks on display. Earlier this year, he decided to start holding more intimate shows with 250 guests and 52 looks.
Balmain did not immediately respond to Robb Report’s request for comment.
Best of Robb Report
Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
