The latest in fashion’s ongoing game of musical chairs, Antonin Tron, 41, has been named the new creative director of Balmain. His appointment follows the departure of Olivier Rousteing who stepped down from the helm last week after 14 years. Tron’s first collection for Balmain will be unveiled in March as part of the AW26 season.
“I wish to express my gratitude to Olivier Rousteing for building Balmain into the global brand it is today,” Tron told WWD. “Balmain has a truly inspiring history. At its heart, the house embodies savoir-faire, culture, sensuality, and elegance – fashion that is radiant, precise, and bold. This resonates deeply with me, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to build on this incredible legacy.”
A French designer and graduate of Antwerp’s famed Royal Academy of Fine Arts (where he studied alongside Demna and Glenn Martens), Tron made his mark on the fashion scene starting in 2016 when he founded his brand Atlein, which has been celebrated for its delicately draped jersey pieces, sexed-up dresses, sculptural tailoring and bold outerwear. Now however, the designer will focus his attention solely on Balmain.
Tron also cut his teeth in the ateliers at Louis Vuitton, where he designed menswear, and at Givenchy and Balenciaga, where he worked in the womenswear departments. He has also worked with the design teams at Saint Laurent. Congratulations, Tron!
Photography courtesy of Balmain.
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