“A fashion future that better reflects the beautifully diverse world where we all live.” Balmain and Olivier Rousteing’s goal to bring forward Black talent and creativity.

When Victor Glemaud founded his collective IN THE BLK in 2020, his aim was to begin harvesting a truly supportive community and open even more doors for Black creatives, artists and artisans, pushing forward an actual equitable growth of their craft and share the equal opportunities with each member. In the two years of its creation, what he has managed to achieve goes beyond the expectations discussed even before its conception. "The beginning of it was eye opening. When our weekly Zoom calls kicked off in June 2020, I quickly realised that Black creative entrepreneurs were isolated from each other and the industry, truly without a real community. Everyone's challenges were exactly the same, no matter the stage of business.” Now, three years later IN THE BLK has compiled more than thirty members ranging from designers and creatives all through brand creators and leaders. Their tireless work has led them to support their creatives into showcasing their project at Paris and New York fashion week, as well as collaborating on sponsorships with Instagram, IMG and UPS, tailoring each to suit their biggest needs.

Approaching Glemaud’s illustrious and powerful work, Olivier Rousteing and his Balmain army wanted to bring forward their message all across the world, and offer the Maison’s rich history, archive and skilled team to propel their careers into new heights, and bring passion at the forefront of the artistic sense. Unveiling the idea behind the project, Rousteing aimed to further push forward the hard truths about the industry’s inclusivity issue, and bring forward a plan for change. “I am extremely happy that Balmain will be supporting IN THE BLK. Of course, we all know that the fashion industry has been embarrassingly slow in pushing for the needed changes that will help create a fashion future that better reflects the beautifully diverse world where we all live. The work of the dedicated professionals behind IN THE BLK is helping us to start making up for lost time and the association’s mentorship program is a smart way to kick-start the development of tomorrow’s Black design and business leaders.”

Kicking off the very first mentorship, Balmain were introduced to Dayanne Danier, a designer and founder of the Haitian brand Bien Abye (translating into “well dressed” from Haitian Creole). Drawing from her Creole roots, the designer has created a meticulous emphasis on craftsmanship, working with local Haitian artisans incorporating hand embroidery, beading, and sewing techniques. As a long-term IN THE BLK founding member, she was the very first designer to be able to experience Balmain’s mentorship, flying into Paris for several weeks of discussions, crafting and sharing creativity all around. “My introduction to the Balmain was incredible, as the team was so inviting. They offered words of wisdom across a full range of areas I’m working to enhance including design, marketing, merchandising and more.”

Managing this collaboration of talent, Balmain’s Chief Marketing Officer Txampi Diz touched upon how this project has resulted in a beautiful amalgamation of ideas, considering their rich historical archive, whilst looking out into uncharted territories. “Although Ms. Danier just arrived in Paris a few days ago, it is already evident to all that this collaboration is going to be a very positive experience for both sides. The truth is, we’ve already started discussing the possibility of pushing this very much beyond the simple mentorship program that was originally envisioned. And I’m not all that surprised, to be honest. Balmain and Bien Abye, Ms. Danier’s accessory brand, share a distinctive outlook, with both highlighting the impressive beauty that results when truly timeless creations rely on artisanal savoir-faire. Just like Balmain, Ms. Danier is clearly committed to supporting the work of talented craftsman and the education and formation of tomorrow’s artisans. Balmain is determined to ally itself with talented designers like Ms. Danier who share our values and commitments.”

Even though the journey has just begun, Dayanne Danier is looking out with sheer excitement into the future, and the importance of all creative ideas that she wants to explore - and how this know-how will have a seismic impact onto the artisans in her network. “There is a need for change in the fashion industry – including supporting the makers. I will share the knowledge I am gaining from this experience with Balmain with Bien Abyé artisans in Haiti. Importantly, the growth strategy I"m learning will allow me to continue creating jobs that uplift artisans and their families. This project is creating strong relationships that will support me and my artisan team as we strive to grow stronger together”.