Antonin Tron Appointed Artistic Director of Balmain
PARIS – Antonin Tron has been named the new artistic director of Balmain, the French fashion house announced. He succeeds Olivier Rousteing, who led the brand for fourteen years, transforming it into an international fashion powerhouse. Tron’s first collection will be presented in March 2026, during the fall-winter 2026-2027 fashion week.
Tron is the founder of Atlein, a label recognized for its quality adn sculptural approach to design. While Atlein faced challenges gaining prominence in Paris,Tron expanded his offerings to include suits and outerwear and secured a collaboration with Khy,Kylie Jenner’s label,in 2024.
Balmain CEO Matteo Sgarbossa highlighted the aesthetic alignment between Pierre Balmain and Antonin Tron, stating, “Like our founder, Antonin considers fashion as a spatial art – shaped around the body with precision and emotion.” Sgarbossa further emphasized Tron’s “sculptural approach to design,anchored in the art of draping and the sensitivity of materials,” as a continuation of Pierre Balmain’s vision of “couture is the architecture of movement.”
Antonin Tron expressed his gratitude, calling the appointment an “honor” and thanking Olivier rousteing “for having made Balmain the international and unique house that it is today.” He added, “Balmain has a interesting history of expertise, culture, sensuality and elegance. Sophisticated, precise and daring fashion. These values touch me deeply, and I am happy to be able to continue their legacy.”
Tron will be responsible for revitalizing Balmain’s masculine and feminine styles. Under rousteing’s leadership, Balmain expanded its reach and launched a perfume line in 2024, through a license with Estée Lauder, with plans to introduce makeup and beauty products.
The arrival of Tron at Balmain is part of a critically important shift in leadership for major fashion houses, with Maria Grazia Chiuri debuting at Fendi, Meryll Rogge at Marni, and Rachel Scott at Proenza Schouler all slated for the same 2026 season.
