Following the departure of Olivier Rousteing, the Balmain house appointed the French designer Antonin Tron as head of its artistic direction. An experienced designer, Tron became known on the international scene in 2016 with the creation of Atlein, a brand that won him the ANDAM Award for First Collections in 2018.
Antonin Tron will present his first collection for Balmain in March, for the Autumn/Winter 2026/27 season, and according to the international press, he will devote himself exclusively to the French house, putting his own brand on hold. Atlein's latest collection was presented on the Paris podiums for Autumn/Winter 2025/26.
Known for its impeccable jersey knits and resolutely sensual dresses, Tron has recently turned to the making of sculptural pieces and even to outer garments.
A graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where he was a classmate of Demna and Glenn Martens, Tron began his career as a male fashion designer at Louis Vuitton, before joining Givenchy and Balenciaga, where he collaborated with various artistic directors: Nicolas Ghesquière, Alexander Wang and Demna himself. He also worked with the creative teams of Saint Laurent.
« I am deeply honoured to join Balmain and thank Mr Rachid and Matteo for entrusting me with this extraordinary House. I would like to express my gratitude to Olivier Rousteing for making Balmain the world brand she is today. »said Tron. « Balmain has a truly inspiring story. At the heart of the House is know-how, culture, sensuality and elegance: a radiant, precise and bold fashion. It touches me deeply and I feel privileged to be able to perpetuate this incredible legacy. »
« We are delighted to welcome Antonin to the House Balmain. His approach to design, rooted in the art of drape and the materiality of the fabric, is part of the continuity of Pierre Balmain's fundamental conviction that "making is the architecture of movement". Like Balmain, Antonin perceives fashion as a space art that unfolds around the human body with precision and emotion. »said Matteo Sgarbossa, CEO of Balmain. « Antonin will build on the legacy of creativity, know-how, elegance and deep human values that make the House famous. We look forward to his first parade for Balmain in Paris in March. »
« His thoughtful approach to design, rooted in know-how and artistic sensitivity, makes him an exceptional talent for the Maison. Together with CEO Matteo Sgarbossa, Antonin will guide Balmain towards a new and promising future, a future that will pay tribute to his legendary history while confidently shaping a vision under the sign of creativity, modernity and elegance »added Rachid Mohamed Rachid, CEO of the Mayhoola Qatari Fund and President of Balmain.