Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing Will "Fight for Diversity"
“People think modernity is about clothes, but I think the real modernity is diversity.”
As this month’s guest editor on CNN Style, Balmain Creative Director Oliver Rousteing brings the topic of diversity to the forefront. In an intimate interview, the designer discusses his early adoption in 1985 France. He says, “I was a young black child, they were a white couple — they were pushing boundaries when they chose me. I think that’s a beautiful act of love.” In a heartbreaking narrative, he recalls a childhood tormented by bullies because of his skin color. Embracing his identity, Rousteing is dedicated to pushing boundaries and working to increase diversity within the fashion industry. Having made headlines in 2011 when he was announced as Balmain’s new creative director, Rousteing remembers how shocked he was that his young age was not the topic of outcry, but rather his color. As the young creative delves into his fight for diversity, he opens up about his design process and why he loves working with muse, Kim Kardashian. Watch the full video above.
