Six individuals in their twenties have been arrested over the theft of approximately 50 items from the renowned French luxury brand Balmain last September. The incident nearly derailed Balmain’s Paris Fashion Week show, prompting creative director Olivier Rousteing to disclose on social media that an armed group had intercepted a van transporting the items from Charles de Gaulle Airport to the brand’s Paris headquarters.
The arrests were made in the Paris suburbs, following a police investigation that tracked down the group. Balmain pieces were discovered during home searches, but authorities believe the luxury label was not specifically targeted. The police source indicated that if the theft had been orchestrated for a specific order, the stolen items would have likely been sold.
The unprecedented incident compelled the Balmain team to work against the clock to recreate the outfits in time for the fashion show. Despite the setback, they successfully presented a vibrant collection featuring bold primary colors, glossy vinyl-style materials, and intricate flower arrangements.
