Ladies, what sparked the idea for FIT to honor Olivier Rousteing?
Stephanie – As the youngest creative director in Paris since Yves Saint Laurent, Olivier is a visionary and was chosen because of his contributions to contemporary fashion. This honor has been a longtime coming and one that we could not have achieved without the tireless efforts of Valerie Steele, the Director at The Museum at FIT. She has been working with Balmain for the past three years to find a time when Olivier would be in NYC to accept the award.
Jane – I literally squealed when I got word Olivier accepted our invitation. I had the chance to meet him a few years back and totally fell for his quiet charm—and that mega-watt talent, of course. With the Couture Council, we’ve been lucky to honor such wildly different design voices—Thom Browne, Simon Porte Jacquemus, Wes Gordon—and that’s what makes this event so special: it shapeshifts every year. And I have to say, I’m extra excited Bloomingdale’s is joining us as a retail sponsor for the first time. It’s going to be a fashion moment for the books.
What does his creative legacy at Balmain represent to you both?
Stephanie – We love Olivier’s innovative design approach — fusing his unique modern style with an homage to Balmain’s heritage and long history. On a personal level, his commitment to inclusivity and diversity are also admirable to us.
Jane – Fourteen years at the helm—and somehow it feels like he’s just getting warmed up. That’s the magic of Olivier. Have you seen the Fall 2025 collection? Not a gold button in sight. It’s giving fresh era, and I’m so here for it. I’ve already got my eye on those cozy knits and slouchy boots. This next chapter at Balmain? I think it’s going to be Olivier unleashed.
What inspired each of you to get involved with the Couture Council and The Museum at FIT?
Stephanie – As a devoted lover of style and design, FIT has long had a special place in my heart. I became involved with the Couture Council over 10 years ago because the mission of The Museum at FIT really resonated with me.
Jane – The Museum at FIT is a total gem. It’s the only museum in NYC solely dedicated to fashion—how cool is that? Its archive has more than 50,000 pieces (!), and I love how it draws the line from past to present. You walk through the exhibits and think, “Wait, that silhouette from 1975? I just saw it on the runway last season.” It’s like the ultimate fashion time machine.
Can you share a little about your roles as co-chairs? What goes into orchestrating a major moment like this luncheon?
Stephanie –Chairing a benefit like this involves raising money by creating a beautiful event. This includes encouraging friends and contacts to purchase tickets and tables and working with the honoree’s team to create a beautiful atmosphere.
Jane – It’s been such a joy to co-chair this year’s event. Right now, we’re all about building buzz and bringing together an amazing group of supporters. We want the room on September 3 to look like the kind of fashion celebration Olivier deserves—glamorous, expressive, unapologetically Balmain. We actually just hosted an 80-person dinner and shopping pop-up in East Hampton that was a blast. Getting to connect with the Balmain and Bloomingdale’s teams out there gave us a great spark heading into the final stretch. Let’s just say: this isn’t your average luncheon.
Do you remember your first Balmain moment—either wearing a piece or seeing one that left an impression?
Stephanie – I have always been a huge fan of Balmain’s “New French Style” — the way Olivier creates stunning silhouettes and bold feminine style.
Jane – Oh yes. I was at Beyonce’s 2018 Coachella headline show – aka Beychella, and Olivier dressed the queen herself. Beyoncé’s whole performance was next-level, but that custom Balmain sweatshirt with the Greek sorority vibes? I had to have it. Still treasure it. And then Solange came out in that holographic fringe number that shimmered like a disco dream when she danced—I tracked that one down too. Those looks weren’t just fashion, they were moments. Still are.
Photo credit: Carl Timpone/BFA.com and courtesy
