Balmain director Olivier Rousteing reveals he was seriously injured in a chimney explosion last year

“I have done everything to keep this story from as many people as possible and try to keep it a secret with my teams and my friends for too long,” Rousteing wrote.

“To be honest, I don’t really know why I was so ashamed, maybe this obsession with perfection that fashion is known for and my own insecurities…” he added.

Praising the staff at Saint Louis Hospital in Paris where he was treated, he said he hid his injuries with clothes and accessories during interviews and photoshoots.

Olivier Rousteing, French creative director of luxury fashion house Balmain, after being injured in a chimney explosion in October 2020. Credit: Olivier Rousteing / Instagram

He said the experience made him realize that the power of social media allows users to “create our own special narrative that avoids what we don’t want to see or show.”

“Today I feel so free, so good and so lucky. I start a new chapter with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude,” Rousteing wrote, reminding subscribers that “there is always the sun after the storm. ”

Many famous friends of Rousteing have posted supporting comments, including musicians Cardi B and Maluma, reality TV star Kim Kardashian West and designer Donatella Versace.

Rousteing said he was now “healed, happy and healthy” and said his last show, which took place on September 28-29, was “about celebrating healing over pain” and commemorated its “rebirth” as well as Balmain’s 10th anniversary. director.

The show, presented at “Balmain Music Festival V02”, featured food, music and fashion. Model Naomi Campbell attended the show and Doja Cat performed.

Rousteing took over as creative director of Balmain in 2011 and has since worked with legions of models and musicians including Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Iman and Cara Delevingne.