Antonin Tron to Design Balmain
The founder of Atlein, Antonin Tron, has been appointed as the new creative director of Balmain. He succeeds Olivier Rousteing, who stepped down last week after fourteen years leading the Mayhoola-backed French fashion house.
This change comes amid a period of exceptional turnover at major European luxury brands, reflecting a general decline in consumer demand. Tron, recognized for his Paris-based label Atlein, will put his own brand on hold to focus entirely on his new role at Balmain.
According to the company, Tron will unveil his debut collection for the 80-year-old fashion house in March during Paris Fashion Week.
“Antonin’s approach to design, rooted in the art of draping and the physicality of fabric, marks a continuation of Pierre Balmain’s foundational belief that ‘dressmaking is the architecture of movement,’” said Balmain chief executive Matteo Sgarbossa.
“Like Balmain, Antonin sees fashion as a spatial art, building around the human form with precision and emotion. Antonin will build on the House’s heritage of creativity, craftsmanship, elegance, and profound human values.”
Olivier Rousteing, appointed in 2011, made history as the first Black creative director at a major European fashion house.
Author’s Summary
Antonin Tron takes the helm at Balmain, ushering in a new creative chapter that honors the brand’s legacy while reflecting his signature artistry and modern perspective.