Balmain’s latest collection stolen from ‘hijacked’ truck weeks before Paris Fashion Week debut
Balmain is scrambling to reassemble more than 50 pieces from its latest clothing collection after its delivery truck was “hijacked” just two weeks before the debut at Paris Fashion Week.
The French fashion house’s newest designs were stolen by a group of people who “hijacked” a vehicle carrying clothing from the airport, Balmain’s Creative Director Olivier Rousteing revealed on Instagram.
“Today, I went to the office at 9 a.m. waiting for the latest pieces for our show, our Balmain show in September,” Rousteing wrote on the social media platform.
“I was starting to create some looks with my team and our driver called us and said he was hijacked by a group of people.”
The driver was safe, according to the creative director.
More than 50 pieces were taken in the heist and the French brand is now working “days and nights” to “redo everything.”
“This is so unfair,” Rousteing, who has worked for Balmain since 2011, wrote. “My team and I worked so hard…this is so disrespectful.”
Fashion powerhouse Donatella Versace was quick to send “all my love” to the creator, writing in the comments: “I know that you and your creativity will be able to overcome this!”
The Jacquemus brand account also commented on the post, writing: “Force.”
American socialite Nicky Hilton and model Romee Strijd commented crying emojis under the post, among others who joined in showing their support.
A spokesperson for the fashion house told the Wall Street Journal that its scheduled September 27 show will go on as planned.
Paris Police are investigating the theft.
Rousteing reminded his followers to never “take anything for guaranteed and please be safe.”
“This is the world we are living in,” he wrote.
Paris has been seeing an increase in robberies involving high fashion brands, including Balmain. The US has also seen thieves running out of department shows and bouquets with armfuls of expensive couture.
Valerie Steele, director of the museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, told WSJ the stolen pieces more than likely don’t have tags on them, as they were made for the runway, but could garner thousands on the secondhand market.
“It’s an absolute tragedy for Olivier and his team,” she told the outlet.