'I am not really sure why I was so ashamed': Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing reveals he survived a fireplace explosion last year
Celebrated Franch fashion designer Olivier Rousteing opened up about a tragic accident that happened inside his home, which left him hospitalized last year. (Warning: this story includes an image some may find graphic)
"Exactly a year ago, the fireplace inside my house exploded," the 36-year-old revealed on Instagram on Oct. 9, sharing a photo of him recovering from his injuries in bandages.
Rousteing started his post by saying he was finally ready to talk about the incident after hiding it from "as many people as possible."
"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," he wrote.
While in recovery, Rousteing, who has been Balmain's creative director since 2011, continued to work on collections while hiding his scars under face masks and long-sleeved clothes.
"As I recovered, I just worked days and nights 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 photoshoots."
"Now, a year later—healed, happy and healthy," he revealed.
Rousteing also thanked the staff of Paris' Hôpital Saint Louis for caring for him and keeping his injuries under wraps.
"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," he said.
Several big names in the fashion industry, including Donatella Versace, Cindy Crawford, Karen Elson, as well as celebrities Kim Kardashian and Cardi B, sent love to Rousteing in his post's comments section.
After almost a year, the 36-year-old fashion designer made his first public appearance on stage at the Balmain Festival VO2 womenswear spring/summer ready-to-wear show.