A group of individuals reportedly hijacked a delivery truck transporting garments from French label Balmain's upcoming collection. The incident occurred early Saturday, just days before the brand was scheduled to unveil its new designs at Paris Fashion Week's Spring-Summer 2024 edition. Olivier Rousteing, the artistic director of Balmain, confirmed the theft in a statement on Instagram, revealing that more than 50 items had been stolen along with the truck. The theft took place while the garments were being transported from an undisclosed airport to Balmain's headquarters in central Paris.
Rousteing expressed his dismay over the incident, calling it "unfair" and "disrespectful." He assured his followers that Balmain and its suppliers would work tirelessly to recreate the missing garments. Despite the setback, he vowed not to give up and thanked his team for their support and dedication.
Balmain is one of over 100 brands participating in Paris Fashion Week, alongside renowned fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Dior. Despite the robbery, Balmain has confirmed that its show will proceed as scheduled on September 27th. However, the label has refrained from commenting further on the incident, pending an ongoing investigation.
The fashion industry rallied behind Rousteing, with notable figures like Donatella Versace sending words of encouragement. Balmain's upcoming collection remains shrouded in secrecy, as the designer did not reveal any specific details. In recent seasons, Rousteing has drawn inspiration from Balmain's rich history, reinterpreting iconic patterns and designs from the brand's archives. Balmain, founded in 1945, is currently under the control of Qatari investment fund Mayhoola, which also holds a majority stake in Italian label Valentino.