In addition to being the head designer for Balmain, Olivier Rousteing is also known for his tight circle of high-profile celebrities—including women like Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. However, the 28-year-old isn’t shy about naming his favorite big-name: his good friend Rihanna, who starred in his Spring 2014 ad campaign.
In a recent interview with the Telegraph, Rousteing discusses his infatuation with RiRi and how her endorsement is by far one of the best tools for his luxury brand, thanks in large part to social media.
"Celebrity is more important today than it used to be," Rousteing told the publication. "When you look at the fashion brands, how many followers do they have? Balmain has 1.1 million. It's like 10 percent of what those girls have. It shows you the power of the personality more than the power of the entire brand."
And what better personality than Rihanna’s to give your company that added publicity?
In past interviews, Rousteing compared Rihanna to the supermodels of the 1980s and 1990s, a time when women sported curves without any apologies. The fearlessness and strength of those ladies can also be seen within Rihanna, who would no doubt get the stamp of approval from Balmain’s founder, he says.
When asked if Rihanna could turn him straight, he boldly replied, "There's no doubt about it. She has this aura, this charisma," Rousteing said before revealing he has no time for a love of his own. "Do I have someone in my life? No, I don't. Just work and Rihanna. But that's enough. That's a lot!"
To read the full article, in which Rousteing also discusses race and diversity in fashion, head over to the Telegraph’s website.
[via Telegraph]
