Balmain’s Creative Director Reveals Fireplace Explosion Injuries

Olivier Rousteing reveals that he suffered from terrible fire-related injuries and kept them a secret for a full year.

Olivier, the creative director for Balmain, took to Instagram to disclose the details of his injuries. Rousteing says that his fireplace in his home exploded, and he went to Paris’ Hôpital Saint Louis.

In the post, Rousteing shared pictures of him in heavy bandages. The director can be seen with numerous burns on his head, arms, and torso.

Olivier also says the reason why he hid his burns was because of insecurities.

“I did everything to hide this story from as many people as possible and trying to keep the secret with my teams and friends for too long. Maybe this obsession with perfection that fashion is known for and my own insecurities…”

Despite Olivier’s condition, the director continued to work through it. Now that he is healed a year later, Rousteing says he’s grateful and lucky. “Never never give up! There is always the sun after the storm.”

Full statement below:

A YEAR AGO
I finally feel ready to share this. I’ve been hiding this for too long and it’s time for you to know.
Exactly a year ago, the fireplace inside my house exploded.
I woke up the next morning in Paris’ Hôpital Saint Louis. The talented staff at that famous hospital, which was dealing with an incredible number of COVID cases at that same time,took amazing care of me. I cannot thank them enough.
I did everything to hide this story from as many people as possible and trying to keep the secret with my teams and friends for too long .
To be honest I am not really sure why I was so ashamed , maybe this obsession with perfection that fashion is known for and my own insecurities…
As I recovered, I just worked days and night to forget and creating all my collections , trying to keep the world dreaming with my collections and at the same time hiding the scars with face masks, turtlenecks, long sleeves and even multiple rings on all my fingers through many interviews or fotoshoots.
And I truly realized that the power of social media is to reveal only what you want to show !
Kind of allowing us to create our own special narrative that avoids what we do not wish to see or show: this is our new world.
Now, a year later—healed, happy and healthy.
I realize how truly blessed I am and I thank GOD everyday of my life..
My last show was about the celebration of healing over pain and I thank all the models the productions my team the models my Balmain family ,my friends that came and supported not only my 10 years of Balmain but my rebirth .
Today, I feel so free, so good and so lucky. I’m beginning a new chapter with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude.
To the doctors and nurses at Saint Louis, and to all those who helped me during this long recovery and kept my secret : a profound thank-you. I love you.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL ♥️ and again never never give up ! There is always the sun after the storm .