Creative Head of exquisite fashion brand, Balmain, Olivier Rousteing digs into his African heritage and origins with the release of a forthcoming film and article titled “Wonder Boy”.
The film is directed and produced by Anissa Bonnefont–a woman Rousteing met while purchasing his stately Parisian apartment from her mother. Bonnefont’s initial reaction to Rousteing is what sets the tone for the subject matter of the film.
Speaking to New York Times, she said; “I just thought it was so unusual for this mixed race guy to succeed like this…to hear his story would be very necessary for our country because of all the issues around immigration. People need to see the reality of how you can achieve a dream and come from nothing. That’s the American story, but it’s not the French story. In France where you come from, what family, what school—that is who you are.”
The film, though it is about a high profile man, seems to unpack aspects of modern living and racial diversity that are at the core of many people’s lives. It also speaks to an often misunderstood concept of blackness and that lighter complexions always denote mixed race. The issues of origin and colour are particularly nuanced in France–due to its colonial past and citizenship laws–as was on the world stage during their 2018 World Cup victory.
Responding to the film, Rousteing who had a positive outlook on the revelation, said; “After the movie, I started to like myself more. Instead of feeling like we had to fight for everything, instead of having a Balmain Army — us against the world — I want to bring people in. I want everyone to understand you can have the dream, without perfection. Inclusivity is speaking to not only the fashion elite.”
The film is slated to play on French channel Canal Plus for one night on October 16 and open in theatres in November. It is not yet certain if it will show internationally.
By: The Arubayi Keme
