Contrary to popular belief, men have been at the forefront of the multibillionaire fashion and beauty industries. Dictating what is on trend, who the new “It girl” is, as well as where one needs to be seen.

An example of this statement is 30 year old, French Designer, Olivier Rousteing who has single handily changed the direction of international fashion brand BALMAIN. Having studied Fashion Design at ESMOD in France, to working for international brand ‘Roberto Cavali’ at age 17, Olivier Rousteing has become a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. However it was only in 2011 when 25 year old Oliver Rousteing became creative director for Balmain, gaining full control of the production of both the men’s and women’s read-to-wear lines that things started to change.

Five years in, Oliver Rousteing is responsible for the edgy image BALMAIN has taken. With celebrity influencers ranging from Kim Kardashin-West, HipHop mogul Kanye West, Rihanna and now Kendall and Kylie Jenner; it seems this fresh new look is sure to revolutionise the way in which we see and wear high fashion. Oliver Rousteing’s love for embellishments as well as flair for padded defined shoulders and necklines, have now seen the likes of Ciara, Kelly Rowland making it onto best dressed lists at events.

This young visionary proves that fashion and style evolve with new inhibitions. We can only anticipate the next bold move young Oliver Rousteing has in store for us.

Writer: Kgosi Modisane