“I never had an example, so I became my own,” Olivier Rousteing told the crowd at Lincoln Center as he accepted the 2025 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion. For the Balmain creative director—who, as a young, Black designer, carved his path in an industry that offered few role models—those words carried particular resonance. Speaking with characteristic power and poise, Rousteing set the tone for a luncheon that celebrated both his artistry and his barrier-breaking career.

As creative director of Balmain, Rousteing has long forged his own path, and The Museum at FIT’s annual Couture Council luncheon recognized exactly that. “We’ve been having the Couture Council benefit luncheon for about 15 years now,” Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the museum, told Vogue ahead of the event. “We’ve honored people like Mr. Valentino and Karl Lagerfeld, and I’m so thrilled to honor Olivier this year. He really emphasizes diversity, reaching out, and encouraging people that they can make it too.”

In the green room before the reception, Rousteing spoke candidly: “Being here today with FIT is beyond an honor. It’s so prestigious. It is a dream of a child. It is a dream of a creative director. It’s something I never believed would happen in my life.”

Soon, Lincoln Center began to fill with luminaries—Martha Stewart, Jeremy Pope (who presented Rousteing with the award), and a host of fashion and art patrons. The cocktail reception was awash in Balmain signatures: sharp tailoring, glinting gold buttons, pristine pleats. That aesthetic carried into the grand dining room, where guests dined on watermelon carpaccio and halibut with zucchini garnish.

On stage, Rousteing captivated the audience with his thoughtful words, humility, and evocative storytelling. More than accolades, it was clear his true aim is to inspire. Following the luncheon, he planned to address FIT students. “More than just getting the prize today, I am so proud to talk to the students,” he told Vogue. “I started at 24 as a creative director, so giving advice to younger people is such an incredible moment of my life. What I have done in my career is all to help the future generation not go through what I went through. I’m proud of that today.”

When asked what advice he would impart, Rousteing offered three points: “One: Be yourself. We are in a world where it’s not easy to be yourself. It sounds cheesy, but with social media and everything happening in the world, you can be influenced by what surrounds you. Two: Don’t give up. Whatever the industry, always fight for success and stick to your values. There are a lot of obstacles, but resilience will help you reach your goal. Three: Find your own wisdom. In life, no matter what you do, you need to find your wisdom, peace, and serenity with yourself. Something I always say at Balmain with my team is that I would rather be hated for who I am than loved for who I’m not. That is really important, because life is about taking risks and being disruptive.”

Disruptive and daring—Rousteing will settle for nothing less. To the Couture Council, it is precisely those who break barriers who are most deserving of recognition. For the FIT students, his words promise to be as unforgettable as his designs.