THE BEAUTY OF FASHION
“Beauty is more than a new chapter. It’s a new book we are writing together.” – Olivier Rousteing
Gromek Institute for Fashion Business
presents
THE BEAUTY OF FASHION
An intimate conversation with Olivier Rousteing, Balmain, Creative Director
& Hans Dorsinville, SVP Global Creative of Balmain Beauty
On December 10, the Gromek Institute for Fashion Business at Parsons School of Design presented a special exclusive intimate conversation with Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing and SVP Global Creative of Balmain Beauty Hans Dorsinville to discuss launching a beauty business as part of a luxury fashion brand portfolio. The conversation centered around the intersections of beauty and fashion, and creative and business. It was a unique opportunity for students to get authentic insights from Olivier who began his career at Balmain at just 24 and insights on how to build and maintain a luxury fashion business.
The iconic Bergdorf Goodman flagship store in New York City served as the elegant backdrop for an inspiring evening of conversation and connection. The conversation coincided with the launch of Balmain’s new fragrance line, marking a milestone for the brand’s vision in beauty. The beauty partner Estee Lauder’s senior team was also in attendance as well as the senior beauty team at Bergdorf Goodman.
The intimate event, originally planned for 15 students, quickly grew due to overwhelming interest from over 200 students. The final turnout exceeded expectations, with over 45 Parsons students filling the room—a testament to the excitement surrounding the panel. The energy was palpable, as students from Strategic Design, School of Fashion, and other programs came together for this unique opportunity to engage directly with industry leaders.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The panel began just after Olivier Rousteing and Hans Dorsinville concluded Balmain’s store event at Bergdorf Goodman—a launch celebration for the brand’s new fragrance. Despite his packed schedule, Olivier made time specifically for the event and made time to share his creative journey, authentic insights, and thoughtful reflections on building Balmain’s beauty business.
Rousteing opened up about:
His early dreams of beauty and how scent connects to identity, memory, and emotion.
Balmain’s creative vision and how fragrance bridges cultural storytelling with modern luxury.
The importance of inclusive beauty that reflects a global audience, making diversity a foundational pillar of Balmain’s ethos.
Throughout the evening, Olivier’s sincerity and passion captivated the audience. He dedicated time to answer every student question—and there were many. Notably, this was one of the most engaged audiences seen at a Parsons panel, with countless students eagerly raising their hands.
Key Takeaways:
Fragrance as Identity: Olivier emphasized how scent extends beyond aesthetics to shape individuality and foster self-expression.
Inclusivity in Beauty: Balmain’s approach ensures its products resonate with a global audience, emphasizing cultural representation.
Thoughtful Dialogue: Students posed incisive, thought-provoking questions that prompted deep reflection and inspiration from the speakers.
Initially planned as an intimate conversation, the discussion grew to accommodate the large turnout—packing the room with over 45 students. Interest extended well beyond the event, with over 200 RSVPs received.
The audience included a diverse mix of:
Parsons MPS Fashion Management students at the School of Fashion
MFA students
Master’s students from the Strategic Design and Management program
BBA students in Strategic Design and Management
AAS students from the School of Fashion
Alumni
Notably, participants who expressed interest in attending represented a wide array of degrees and programs, including:
MA Fashion Studies
BFA Fashion
BBA Strategic Design and Management
BFA Journalism + Communication Design
Integrated Design
BFA Communication Design
MPS Fashion Management
Design Technology
Fine Arts and Psychology
BA The Arts
MFA Design and Technology
BFA Interior Design
MA HDCS
As well as a wide array of education levels from Freshman to Seniors.
The evening was polished, professional, and chic. Balmain provided curated gift bags for students, adding a thoughtful touch that left a lasting impression. Fresh flowers, beverages, and Bergdorf Goodman’s storied elegance completed the experience, making the evening as beautiful as it was inspiring.
Collaborations and Outreach
The success of the event was made possible through strategic internal outreach. Collaborations with program leaders across Parsons’ Strategic Design and Management and School of Fashion ensured broad participation. Event details were shared through:
Newsletters sent to the Parsons community and symposium event database,
Program leader communications with their cohorts,
Social media promotions amplifying the excitement and engagement.
Future Collaborations
This event marks the beginning of a broader dialogue between Parsons and industry leaders. In attendance were senior executives from Balmain, Estée Lauder, and Bergdorf Goodman, signaling promising opportunities for future discussions and collaborations. Plans are already underway for a follow-up panel with senior leaders at Parsons.
Conclusion
The Beauty of Fashion panel was a night of transformative insights, industry expertise, and student engagement. Guests departed with more than just memorable moments; they left with fresh perspectives on beauty’s role in culture, identity, and business.
Thank you to Olivier Rousteing, Hans Dorsinville, and Balmain Beauty for making this extraordinary evening possible.
Stay Connected
Join our mailing for more exclusive panels, discussions, and behind-the-scenes opportunities as we continue to explore the intersections of creativity, culture, and commerce through the Gromek Institute at Parsons. gromekinstitute@newschool.edu.
Get Involved
Interested in partnering with us or contributing to the next symposium? Reach out to gromekinstitute@newschool.edu.
Thank You to Our Partners
A special thanks to our collaborators—Balmain and Bergdorf Goodman.
