Balmain collection robbed in run-up to fashion show

PARIS (Reuters): French fashion house Balmain has lost dozens of pieces due to be unveiled at a Paris show later this month after a lorry carrying the clothing was hijacked, its creative director Olivier Rousteing said.

Rousteing said in an Instagram post that thieves seized the vehicle carrying some 50 items from Balmain’s new collection between a Paris airport and the label’s headquarters in the French capital.

The lorry driver was safe, he said.

“This morning I woke up with the smile, starting the fittings for my next show at 9 am and this is what happened … 50 Balmain pieces stolen. Our delivery was hijacked,” he wrote. The [truck] got stolen. Thank god, the driver is safe.”

“We are redoing everything but this is so disrespectful,” he said in his message.

 

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Balmain is due to present its 2024 spring-summer collection on Sept. 27 during the Paris fashion week, which features high end labels including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and Hermes.

A spokesperson for Balmain confirmed that the Paris show would go ahead, declining to comment about the robbery pending an investigation.

Balmain is controlled by Mayhoola, an investment vehicle backed by Qatar’s royal family.

Despite the unexpected setback, Olivier Rousteing, the creative force behind Balmain, has affirmed that the scheduled show on September 27 will proceed as originally planned. Expressing his disappointment, he stated, “Countless individuals have poured their dedication into bringing this collection to life. We are in the process of redoing everything, but this situation is profoundly disrespectful – it affects numerous workers, suppliers, and my entire team.” Rousteing further emphasized, “Please prioritize your safety; this is the reality of the world we now inhabit. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to my dedicated Balmain team, and we remain undeterred in our commitment.”