The latest instalment of H&M’s designer collaboration series sees the Swedish retailer link up with Rabanne to create a high-voltage collection ideally suited to party dressing. Looking to archival creations of the latter’s late founder Paco Rabanne, the collaborative collection brings the Spanish fashion house’s futuristic designs and unbridled vibrance to the masses.
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Beginning his career as a jewellery designer, Paco Rabanne became known for his sculptural approach to clothing, utilising unconventional materials like metal, moulded plastic, and paper in his creations — with his iconic metal mesh dresses redefining conceptions of glamour in the 1960s.
Comprising womenswear, menswear, shoes, and accessories, as well as an avant garde homeware collection, the collaboration has something for everyone.
Designed to flit from pool party to cocktail hour, the retro-glam collection sees mini dresses crafted from oversized sequins and metallic mesh, stinky ribbed knits, and luxurious loungewear take centre stage. Sleek, figure-hugging silhouettes are accented with embellishments, while metal mesh two piece sets and paillette-laden maxi skirts exude fierce femininity, conveying an irreverent take on armour. Elsewhere, rhinestone-studded chiffon gowns take on a romantic tone while a geometric jacquard knit two piece offers a welcome throwback to funkier times.
On the mens’ side of things, there’s sharp suiting in a quintessentially Rabane palette of metallic shades, as well as a leopard print shirt and sequined briefs. For something a little more casual, t-shirts and tracksuits have been designed with elevated lounging in mind.
“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,” said Julien Dossena, creative director at Rabanne. “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.”
Accessories see Rabanne’s iconic bags interpreted for a contemporary audience, with rhinestone-fringed mini mesh styles and shoulder bags adorned with paillettes. Jewellery takes on an equally dazzling tone, with metallic mesh earrings and sequined headpieces offering a maximalist take on ornamentation.
The H&M x Rabanne will be available from the 9th of November onwards via the H&M webstore as well as in the Chadstone and GPO stores in Melbourne and the Pitt Street store in Sydney.
Words by AR Staff
