Fashion News – The most important events of week 45 / 2025

Week 45 brought a wave of shocks that are redefining the luxury landscape on both sides of the Atlantic. Olivier Rousteing's sudden departure from Balmain ends one of the most influential eras in the digital fashion era, while in the US, Ralph Lauren proves the power of classic heritage by raising forecasts against market trends. At the same time, European regulators are targeting Shein following a product scandal, and restructuring at Swarovski and controversy surrounding the cover of Vogue US signal deeper tensions between commerce and creative integrity.

Key Events of the Week

The end of an era at Balmain: Olivier Rousteing departs after 14 years

• Facts: On 5 November, Olivier Rousteing announced his departure from his position as creative director at Balmain. The French designer, who took the helm at just 25 years old, spent 14 years revolutionising the Parisian fashion house, combining couture archives with the global aesthetic of pop stars and building a “Balmain Army” based on the power of social media.
• Analysis: This is a seismic change for Balmain and its owner, the Qatari fund Mayhoola. Rousteing's departure closes the chapter on the ‘celebrity director’ and raises fundamental questions a