The Estée Lauder Companies has struck a licensing agreement with French luxury fashion house Balmain to develop, produce and distribute a new line of beauty products under the Balmain Beauty brand.
The collaboration is expected to launch in Autumn 2024, with the stated goal “to transform the luxury and couture beauty world through exceptional design, singular craftsmanship, and an unyielding commitment to innovation”.
“For over ten years, my Balmain team and I have been pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fashion,” noted Creative Director Olivier Rousteing. “We’ve been determined to reflect the way that today’s diverse generation wishes to live and dress. So, obviously, there was no way that we were going to expand into beauty without ensuring that we had found the partner who understood and shared our outlook.
“From the very beginning, the team at The Estée Lauder Companies made it very clear that they support Balmain’s distinctive vision, as well as our goal of disrupting the global luxury beauty paradigm. Knowing that — and knowing that Estée Lauder is the paragon of excellence — well, I can’t wait to start working with them.”
Guillaume Jesel (right) is named President, Global Brands, Tom For Beauty, Balmain Beauty and Luxury Business Development, effective immediately. He said: “Balmain and Olivier Rousteing are visionary forces in global fashion. We look forward to working with them to expand the Balmain universe and forge a new space in luxury beauty that clearly reflects the strong, inclusive, and fearless spirit of the brand.”
In his new role, Jesel reports to Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Executive Group President and also to Tracey T. Travis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in her role of overseeing the company’s mergers and acquisitions strategy, for his Luxury Business Development responsibilities.
A Global General Manager for Tom Ford Beauty, who will report to Jesel, will be announced at a later date.
“Guillaume’s exceptional understanding of aspirational luxury and his strong brand strategy expertise have been instrumental to the success of Tom Ford Beauty,” said Ms. Hertzmark Hudis. “This makes him well-positioned to oversee our new luxury brand, Balmain Beauty.”
Olivier Rousteing added: “Guillaume is one of the most creative and passionate executives that I have seen in the industry today and I know he will help build Balmain Beauty into a global beauty brand for all.”
Balmain Founder Pierre Balmain introduced his ‘New French Style’ in 1945, helping to reinvigorate French fashion design in post-war Paris. The luxury house said that Rousteing’s ‘Renewed French Style’ builds upon this legacy, with the house’s archives providing inspiration.
