From Womenswear To Home Décor, Here's What To Expect From The Rabanne H&M Collaboration

Julien Dossena has hit it out of the park once again. Hot off the heels of his collaboration with Jean Paul Gaultier early this year, the creative director of Rabanne is back with yet another highly-covetable collaboration—this time with Swedish retailer H&M.

For the uninitiated: Paco Rabanne was founded by late Spanish designer Francisco Rabaneda Cuervo in 1966. Cuervo garnered attention for his use of unconventional textiles such as chainmail and plastic in his collections. Over the years, the French luxury brand became synonymous with high-glamour, high-energy and futuristic designs, symbolising opulence and confidence. 

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Meanwhile, we all know and love the H&M designer collaborations. Over the past decade or so, H&M has linked up with the likes of Stella McCartney, Balmain, COMME des GARÇONS, Mugler and Simone Rocha. In doing so, it has offered fashion enthusiasts luxury fashion at a fraction of the cost. The latest instalment of its designer collaboration series is no different. 

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The Inspiration

“Founder Paco Rabanne was the master of metal, famous for shaking up Parisian haute couture with Space Age modernism. In the same spirit, Julien has brilliantly reinvigorated an iconic brand, injecting it with fresh energy. It’s a joy to be able to bring such exciting, instantly recognisable Rabanne designs to our customers with this dynamic collection,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M, in a press release.

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The Rabanne H&M collection combines radical design with innovative craftsmanship, taking inspiration from Cuervo's futuristic creations. Simply put: It’s effortless elegance at its best. Think shimmering discotheque-ready dresses, slinky ribbed knits and luxe loungewear that doubles up as cocktail attire. Dossena infuses the collection with a spirit of optimism with archival metallic mesh, mirrored paillettes and sharp tailoring.

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“I approached this collection with a desire to create an inclusive, instinctive vision of fun, drawing out the playful side of Rabanne with the chainmail and sequin pieces and offsetting them with 1970s tailoring and leisurewear. Paco Rabanne was a genius when it came to radical design and innovative materials; I’m excited to take that philosophy further with a collection that makes our icons more accessible and also pushes the boundaries of sustainability,” said Dossena.

The Collection

The Rabanne H&M womenswear lineup comprises glittering disc dresses, and paillette-pumped maxi skirts in rich metallic hues. It also features romantic rhinestone-embellished chiffon gowns and leopard-print jersey dresses.

Similarly, the menswear lineup consists of a sharp silver suit, sequined turtleneck and a metallic mesh vest. Also in the collection are a leopard-print shirt and sequined briefs. 

That said, accessories are where this collection truly shines. It features contemporary takes on Rabanne’s iconic bags sporting rhinestone-fringed mini metallic mesh styles as well as paillette-bedecked shoulder bags. 

Apart from womenswear and menswear, this collection also consists of a H&M Home décor capsule. The collection includes cocktail tables that take inspiration from the Space-Age. And to no one's surprise, a pair of metallic chain curtains and a rug featuring the Rabanne logo.

The Rabanne H&M collection launches in selected stores and online on Thursday, 9 November 2023. 

Our Picks

Click through the gallery for our favourite pieces from the collection—prices included.